Tuesday, 13 July 2004: 9:30 AM-10:30 AM

Oceanic 6 (Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel)

A-7: ESL, Logistical and Cultural Challenges Facing Instructors in the UAE

Detailed Description:This session is not another description of a successful transition from paper based to online/blended learning. It paints an authentic picture, a case study of a college facing pedagogical, logistical, motivational, cultural and technical challenges in an English as a Second Language environment from the perspectives of 2 instructors (ESL/IT faculty). Perceived barriers are highlighted and an action plan is set out. This session is appropriate for college staff facing similar issues or for those who have already solved them!
Presentation Format:Paper
Topic:Changing mindsets: Strategies for institutional change
Target Audience:Faculty and Other Instructors
Appropriate Audience Level:Beginning or new users of WebCT
Abstract Text:Institutional Setting

Abu Dhabi Womens’ College (ADWC) is one of 11 Emirati higher colleges of technology (HCT) offering English medium education (campus delivery) in a variety of courses to degree level. Further information is available at -

http://adw.hct.ac.ae/ http://www.hct.ac.ae/

Objectives

The objectives of the action research were to –

1) Quantify faculty/student resistance to English as a Second Language (ESL) courses with a WebCT component.

2) Facilitate an action plan to overcome any barriers that ESL teachers and students face with WebCT.

Scope

Research conducted by students and faculty focused on

a) ESL staff and female Emirati students based at ADWC b) Staff and male/female students at several tertiary institutions in the UAE

Methods

1) Feedback from instructors/students was sought to encapsulate their views (questionnaires/interviews/discussion board topics) -

2) Published works were consulted to balance and endorse the views of instructors/students

Results

A wide range of issues has affected the implementation of WebCT at ADWC to date. Significant factors include the way that WebCT was introduced on campus, staff concerns about the suitability of themselves/students for the WebCT environment and the appropriateness of WebCT for ESL. A summary of issues reflecting concerns and resistance is as follows –

A) Logistics · Guidelines regarding the composition/extent of WebCT delivery · Assignment to courses · Learning curve required · Training – timing and content · Time/workload · WebCT interface/tools

B) Pedagogy · Ideal mode of delivery? · WebCT’s limited ESL tools · WebCT’s interface can demotivate · Suitability of students for independent learning · Assessment systems for monitoring and evaluating courses? · Balance between course design/teaching? · Attendance/plagiarism issues · Instructor suitability

C) Culture · Female students studying from home/college · Female/male communication · Traditional teaching styles at local schools.

Conclusions

The research results and the action plan recommendations will be presented at the conference.



Session Leader:Stu Rutherford
Abu Dhabi Womens' College

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