Integrating an online component using a Computer Mediated Communication system to enhance the learning of English communication skills.

Abstract

This paper examines a variety of activities used in the online component of an English Communication course taught to exit level students at the NUST. The study concentrates on the tasks that were given to students using the computer mediated communication system “Moodle”. The tasks under examination were part of the online component of the hybrid course taught in 2005. These tasks related to study material presented in the face-to-face classroom. They involved activities such as practice, revision, reflection, reading, writing, evaluation, collaboration and cooperation, among others. The tasks under investigation show how face-to-face teaching can be supplemented by online activities to enhance learning as well as students’ engagement and personal development in the learning process.