Cultures and English in an Online Learning Environment

Plan for the next 2 weeks

• A conceptual model of teaching English with cultures in an online learning environment will be developed.
• A plan of implementing intercultural communication for tandem language learning will be prepared.
• Pretest and post test plan for measuring learning outcomes will be developed.

Learning Theory and Online Learning Environment

    I have created an online learning environment based on 4 learning theories: behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism, and connectivism. According to the aspects of knowledge, tasks, and learning contexts, different learning theories are applied to tasks and activities. For example, when students learn English words, behaviorism is mainly applied to designing the content. In case that students learn American culture, they will be asked to reflect on their own native cultures. In this context, I am making students use their existing knowledge to understand the new knowledge. Students who learn in the online learning environment will be also asked to complete real-life tasks such as using public transportation and ordering sandwiches. In this context the students construct their own experience to learn new culture and knowledge. Finally, students will communicate with people around world using Voicethread and realize they can learn in connected world.

Words learning based on behaviorism

Speaking activity based on Cognitivism

Activity based on contructivism

The Completion of Englishjump site

I have completed my site where I can teach English and Cultures. The site is composed of 3 parts mainly: courses, blog, and community. In the courses, I offer well-organized teaching and learning materials for K-12 immigrant students. In the blog section, the students can learn English and culture through a wide variety of learning materials. In the community section, they can share information, join the discussion, and communicate with international students. The following prezi explains my research problem and what I am trying to do.