Online Teaching of Languages: A case study of Moi University, Kenya.

Abstract

Online learning is the fastest growing trend in education. It has fundamentally changed the way people learn, communicate and do business. Its adoption at various levels of education can greatly transform the nature of education including “where” and “how” education takes place and the roles of students and the teachers in the learning process. Therefore information and Communication Technology (ICT) is a powerful tool for extending education opportunities, to previously disadvantaged
areas which include: scattered rural populations traditionally excluded from
education due to cultural or social reasons such as ethnic minorities and
gender. The use of computers (or even mobile phones) as tutors for drill and practice and instructional delivery combined with traditional instruction can result in increased  learning which will be evidenced in students learning more quickly, demonstrating greater retention and being better motivated to learn. The objective of this study is twofold: To find out the benefits of ICT in teaching of languages and also whether the teaching of languages online faces particular challenges as compared to other subjects, the study case being Moi University.

Key words    e-learning, language, m-learning