Using Internet Conferencing for Business English Teaching Eric Baber *

Technology: Skype; Microsoft NetMeeting Teaching one-to-one Teaching small groups Why offer online lessons? Training in online teaching References/URLs Overview *

Free online conferencing program. Users need PC or Mac, preferably broadband Internet connection, and microphone & speakers or headset Audio component. Trainer and learner can speak to each other Video component. Either or both parties can have webcam, allowing other party to see them …cont * Technology: Skype

File-sharing and collaborating using Unyte plugin. Files can be shared in either direction Chat functionality can be used, enabling text conversations or work to be saved Using e.g. HotRecorder, audio component of lesson can be saved Some companies forbid use of Skype Technology: Skype, cont. *

Same features as Skype plus whiteboard Integrated into Windows (though few people know this!) Use of NetMeeting only very rarely forbidden by companies, but can be very problematic with firewalls Technology: NetMeeting *

Trainer can prepare activities in familiar formats before lesson (e.g. Word, HTML, PowerPoint) and share them with learner during lesson During sharing both T and L can view and edit file, allowing L to complete written exercises Audio (and video) contact available throughout …cont Teaching One-to-One *

T and L can visit a webpage together and perform a prepared task (e.g. reading activity) File sharing in opposite direction: L can do practice-run of e.g. PowerPoint presentation Teaching One-to-One, cont. *

Skype allows for group meetings of up to 5 participants with audio and file-sharing (but no video) NetMeeting allows for group meetings but for group audio/video additional server software needed (€€€!) Participants can be in different locations – ideal for companies with different branches whose employees want to study together …cont Teaching Small Groups *

Same types of activities and exercises possible as in one-to-one lessons “Breakout sessions” possible – pairwork/sub- groups Teaching Small Groups, cont. *

If your institution offers residential courses, can extend offering – e.g. online preparation → residential component → online follow-up Can encourage learners to come back next year for another residential component If institution offers local instruction, can be a good offering for clients who frequently travel …cont Why offer online lessons? *

If clients include multinational companies, a good service to allow employees with similar needs to study together Increases portfolio of services Why offer online lessons? cont. *

NetLearn Languages ( offer bespoke training for institutions & individualswww.netlearnlanguages.com Institute of Education course in Online Education and Training ( The Consultants-E ( Courses in E-moderation (not online conferencing), use of ICT in Classroomwww.theconsultants-e.com Book “Teaching English with IT” by D. Smith and E. Baber, Modern English Publishing, 2005Teaching English with IT Training in online teaching *

Skype: Microsoft NetMeeting: Unyte plugin: HotRecorder: NetLearn Languages: ww.netlearnlanguages.comww.netlearnlanguages.com Institute of Education course in Online Education and Training: The Consultants-E: Book “Teaching English with IT” by D. Smith and E. Baber, Modern English Publishing, 2005Teaching English with IT References/URLs *

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