A Case Report of Web-enhanced Language Learning (WELL) for EFL Teachers

摘要

With the rapid development of microdectronics and information technology,the web environment has evolved to all era where digital data are transmitted in gigabytes online;powerful software applications are coming out constantly renovating the processing of texts,graphics,audio and visual materials in unimagined ways.This phenomenal evolvement,which makes Moore's Law inaccurate,brings both challenges and opportunities to the teaching and learning of English.It is assumed that vast web environment provides great opportunities for EFL teachers in renovating the traditional teaching approach,thus enhancing language learning as a whole.This paper presents a report of a case study on three groups of EFL teachers participating the 8-week WELL (Web-Enhanced Language Learning) course as part of Modular CALL Curriculum for an MA in TEFL Programme at a foreign language university in China.The purpose ofthe study is to try possible measures in the hope of finding appropriate means of language teaching and learning enhanced by the new web environment blessed on us.Based on comparison of data collected in three years,including analysis of target learners'needs and wants,the changes of physical resources and the learning environment via means of pre-course questionnaires,post-course questionnaires,assignments,mini-projects,etc.,the findings of the study have seen significant effects of the fast development in IT industry on web-related applications,have given rise to issues salient to ELT methodology,and have brought up new directions for future research.