VEEBIKONVERENTSI TEEL VÕÕRKEELE ÕPPIMINE JA ÕPETAMINE – VÕIMALUSED, PIIRANGUD, VÄLJAKUTSED

Learning and Teaching Through Web Conferences – Possibilities, Limitations, Challenges

Abstract

The contemporary learning environment has changed: learning is no longer limited to the learner and teacher being in the same classroom. What is more, bringing learners and the teacher together in one room may not always be possible or rational. E-learning is nothing new in the context of higher education, allowing students the freedom to choose the time, location and the pace of learning. However, learning and teaching through web conferences has not received much attention. This article focuses on learning and teaching a foreign language through web conferences in the form of synchronous learning. In the fall semester of 2017 the Language Centre of the ENDC organised an English language course (B1+ level) for the Viru Infantry Battalion, offering a combination of contact lessons taking place in Jõhvi and web conferences transmitted from Tartu. Two teachers conducted the course, with six students taking part. The aim of the research was to identify applicable language teaching methods and activities in the lessons conducted through web conferences, based on the gained experiences both from the point of view of the students and the teachers. The effectiveness of the teaching methods was identified and analysed based on the teachers’ log of their teaching activities, selfreflection and ongoing analysis throughout the course. The same process was used to identify methods, language learning and teaching activities that were unsuitable for web conferences and the limitations that should be considered when planning a course supported by web conferences. Additionally, the students’ self-reflection and feedback were used to conduct an empirical study of learning. Furthermore, interviews were conducted with the students after the completion of the course.