Teaching On-line Versus On-site: A Study of Instructional Delivery Modes in Foreign Language Education

摘要

The purpose of this study was to identify the similarities and differences of online and traditional foreign language courses and to determine the advantages and disadvantages of the online courses. Using a random sample of 20 courses, ten on-line and ten traditional, this study examined the online and traditional courses in terms of five constructs and compared the methods and strategies used in online courses with regular classroom instruction. With a rubric developed for the study, the online and traditional course were rated in a 4-point scale and analyzed with independent t-tests. The findings of the study indicated that online and traditional courses had about the same weight in teaching foreign language and suggested that they each had its advantages and disadvantages. The study concluded that traditional courses had better defined and more specific goals and objectives for both teaching and learning and was more effective in teaching conversation and listening comprehension, while in online courses, students could learn at varying rates and explore material to whatever depth they desire, and Internet technology made it possible for students in different areas and from different countries to access online courses.