Title: Technological tools for distance education

Authors: Aubrey Olsen, Tarryn Goodman, Erik Ramsay

Addresses: Brigham Young University Hawaii, BYUH #1940, 55-220 Kulanui Street, Laie, Hawaii, 96762, USA. ' Brigham Young University Hawaii, 2520 E. Narrowleaf Drive, Gilbert, AZ, 85298, USA. ' Brigham Young University Hawaii, BYUH #1935, 55-220 Kulanui Street, Laie, Hawaii, 96762, USA

Abstract: This paper introduces two tools which can be used in an English language teaching/learning environment: the Comment feature in Microsoft Word and Skype. The Comment feature allows teachers to make electronic comments on student writing. Skype is particularly useful in organising listening-speaking tutor sessions. As teachers are called upon to teach and develop distance education courses, they will need to use creativity and innovation. This paper outlines a variety of ways to integrate the Comment feature and Skype into a distance learning program. The final portion of this paper focuses on evaluative research currently in progress.

Keywords: technological tools; distance education; tutoring; distance learning; English language; language teaching; learning environments; Microsoft Word; Skype; teachers; tutors; electronic comments; student writing; listening-speaking sessions; tutor sessions; creativity; course development; innovation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIL.2011.041794

International Journal of Innovation and Learning, 2011 Vol.10 No.2, pp.144 - 155

Published online: 26 Nov 2014 *

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