140 likes | 164 Views
Learn how to use technology like Skype and Microsoft NetMeeting to offer online English lessons to individuals and small groups. Find out why online lessons are beneficial and discover resources for training in online teaching.
E N D
Eric Baber Using Internet Conferencing for Business English Teaching www.ericbaber.com * eric@ericbaber.com
Overview • Technology: Skype; Microsoft NetMeeting • Teaching one-to-one • Teaching small groups • Why offer online lessons? • Training in online teaching • References/URLs www.ericbaber.com * eric@ericbaber.com
Technology: Skype • Free online conferencing program. Users need PC or Mac, preferably broadband Internet connection, and microphone & speakers or headset • Audio component. Trainer and learner can speak to each other • Video component. Either or both parties can have webcam, allowing other party to see them • …cont www.ericbaber.com * eric@ericbaber.com
Technology: Skype, cont. • File-sharing and collaborating using Unyte plugin. Files can be shared in either direction • Chat functionality can be used, enabling text conversations or work to be saved • Using e.g. HotRecorder, audio component of lesson can be saved • Some companies forbid use of Skype www.ericbaber.com * eric@ericbaber.com
Technology: NetMeeting • Same features as Skype plus whiteboard • Integrated into Windows (though few people know this!) • Use of NetMeeting only very rarely forbidden by companies, but can be very problematic with firewalls www.ericbaber.com * eric@ericbaber.com
Teaching One-to-One • Trainer can prepare activities in familiar formats before lesson (e.g. Word, HTML, PowerPoint) and share them with learner during lesson • During sharing both T and L can view and edit file, allowing L to complete written exercises • Audio (and video) contact available throughout • …cont www.ericbaber.com * eric@ericbaber.com
Teaching One-to-One, cont. • T and L can visit a webpage together and perform a prepared task (e.g. reading activity) • File sharing in opposite direction: L can do practice-run of e.g. PowerPoint presentation www.ericbaber.com * eric@ericbaber.com
Teaching Small Groups • Skype allows for group meetings of up to 5 participants with audio and file-sharing (but no video) • NetMeeting allows for group meetings but for group audio/video additional server software needed (€€€!) • Participants can be in different locations – ideal for companies with different branches whose employees want to study together • …cont www.ericbaber.com * eric@ericbaber.com
Teaching Small Groups, cont. • Same types of activities and exercises possible as in one-to-one lessons • “Breakout sessions” possible – pairwork/sub-groups www.ericbaber.com * eric@ericbaber.com
Why offer online lessons? • If your institution offers residential courses, can extend offering – e.g. online preparation → residential component → online follow-up • Can encourage learners to come back next year for another residential component • If institution offers local instruction, can be a good offering for clients who frequently travel • …cont www.ericbaber.com * eric@ericbaber.com
Why offer online lessons? cont. • If clients include multinational companies, a good service to allow employees with similar needs to study together • Increases portfolio of services www.ericbaber.com * eric@ericbaber.com
Training in online teaching • NetLearn Languages (www.netlearnlanguages.com) offer bespoke training for institutions & individuals • Institute of Education course in Online Education and Training (www.ioe.ac.uk/english/OET.htm) • The Consultants-E (www.theconsultants-e.com). Courses in E-moderation (not online conferencing), use of ICT in Classroom • Book “Teaching English with IT” by D. Smith and E. Baber, Modern English Publishing, 2005 www.ericbaber.com * eric@ericbaber.com
References/URLs • Skype: www.skype.com • Microsoft NetMeeting: www.microsoft.com/netmeeting • Unyte plugin: www.unyte.net • HotRecorder: www.hotrecorder.com • NetLearn Languages: ww.netlearnlanguages.com • Institute of Education course in Online Education and Training: www.ioe.ac.uk/english/OET.htm • The Consultants-E: www.theconsultants-e.com • Book “Teaching English with IT” by D. Smith and E. Baber, Modern English Publishing, 2005 www.ericbaber.com * eric@ericbaber.com
Thank you for joining! Any comments or questions? Please contact me! eric@ericbaber.com www.ericbaber.com www.ericbaber.com/blog www.ericbaber.com * eric@ericbaber.com