Materials Development in Language Training: Online Course of Military English

• Published in: European Conference on e-Learning p. 80
• Main Authors: Cechova, Ivana, Zerzanova, Dana, Berankova, Jana
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Kidmore End Academic Conferences International Limited 01.10.2012
• Subjects: Adult Basic Education; Adult Students; Computers; Course Content; Educational Innovation; Educational technology; English for Special Purposes; Language; Language Acquisition; Language Skills; Language Tests; Questionnaires; Second language learning; Teachers; Teaching; Teaching Methods; Technological change; Textbooks
• ISSN: 2048-8637; 2048-8645

Teachers rely strongly on a variety of materials to support their teaching, e.g. from commercial textbooks, magazines, newspapers, Internet and videos. However, despite the current immense array of English language materials commercially available, a large number of teachers produce their own materials to assist their students to acquire and retain knowledge, skills and vocabulary. New materials are crucial to building motivation, getting students more involved in learning activities, and providing them with relevant knowledge and skills. Adult learners especially prefer materials which reflect their own difficulties and needs and provide something beneficial to them. As a highly specialized institution, the University of Defence promotes original online courses to give students a chance to study and practice their language skills regardless place and time restraints. In the academic year 2010-2011 the authors analysed a University of Defence language learner's profile by establishing baseline data on technology use. The objective was to find out if our students prefer to use up-to-date technologies or to be taught in a traditional way; furthermore we wanted to know students' preferences, wants and needs while using technologies in the language classes as well as their suggestions dealing with the online course content. On the basis of research findings and the respondents' suggestions, the authors, with the help of students, developed an online course of military, management and economic terminology, designated for both bachelor and master degree students. The course comprises highly specialized modules and topics developed by using authentic texts and tasks. Each topic contains several texts with a number of activities focused especially on reading and listening skills, vocabulary and grammar. The majority of exercises are interactive. The paper presents the research findings and the process of developing the new online course, the course description, content, and the first experiences recorded over a sustained period of time, as well as the potential future of this form of language training. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]