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Face-to-Face Classroom Plus Online Homework Best for Students
John Brezinsky, Higher
Education
Marketing Manager
The U.S.
Department of Education analyzed 99 studies of online learning and
concluded that students learn best when their courses combine
traditional face-to-face classes with online work. Students benefit
most from activities that allow them to control the speed at which they
learn and encourage reflection.
This philosophy of combining classwork with online learning is what drives online software from Pearson Longman. Programs like MyNorthStarLab, Criterion, Focus on Grammar Interactive, Azar Interactive, and Longman English Interactive allow students to become more reflective learners and make better use of their time.
Combining Face-to-Face Class with Online Homework
The Department of Education looked at studies published no earlier than
1996. They found that advances in available technology have resulted in
online software that truly enhances the work done in face-to-face
classrooms. The results of these classes are stronger than pure online
distance learning and of face-to-face classes that use pen-and-paper
homework.
The Key is Keeping Learners Engaged
The Department’s study also found that students do not benefit
from online software just because it’s online. Rather, students
need exercises that are designed to be done independently (that is,
different from what’s in their textbooks). They also need
exercises that allow them to control the speed at which they interact
with media. Finally, activities that encourage learners to think about
the material at hand have the best results.
Pearson Longman has always adopted this approach to online learning, and the study
from the Department of Education supports our work. We exemplify our
approach through:
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exercises in which students control their interaction with audio, video, and text;
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self-grading activities that don’t tell students the answers the first time around;
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automatic feedback on writing that helps students become better self-editors.
To learn more about our online software, contact your Pearson Longman ESL specialist. You can also sign up for 30-day trials of the programs from their websites:
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