VIRTUAL COURSES: DIRECTION AND CHALLENGES

The internet has introduced innovative ways in the standard teaching models, particularly by offering a wide range of tools for teaching through the network. The continuous emergence of new educational platforms and technology has posed a challenge on the development of a relevant pedagogical support. Undoubtedly, the technology has been advancing faster than the retooling and updating of teachers. This will pose very serious problems for the future generations of teachers.

One of the problems in the use of internet technology in teaching is the possible lack of awareness of teachers of the tools/applications that are available on the internet. Another problem is the lack of sufficient training of the teachers in the use of the internet technology. The parameters in the use of technology in the classroom must also be addressed. There is also the question of whether in the future the human teacher will be replaced by a virtual teacher.

The objective of this article is to show how the internet has changed the methodology of teaching language lessons primarily, through the use of technology in lesson delivery. It will also discuss the difference between on-site and online classroom setting. More importantly, it will analyze these differences to highlight their strengths and weaknesses. It will also make recommendations on how to improve the delivery of virtual courses.