Issues in the design and implementation of Web-based language courses

Abstract

This study explored the factors that course designers have taken into account in the design and implementation of web-based courses, how the design and implementation of the web-based courses were effected, and course designers’ views of possible future directions for developing and implementing web-based courses. From the results of this study, some recommendations are made for Bilkent University School of English Language (BUSEL), which is thinking of designing and implementing web-based courses in an English for Foreign Language (EFL) setting. Nine English Language Teaching (ELT) professionals, from different institutions inside and outside of Turkey, participated in this study. A questionnaire was sent to eight participants through email in four different sections. One participant was interviewed as she lives in Ankara, Turkey. The interview consisted of the same questions as the questionnaire. The questionnaire and the interview results were analyzed qualitatively. The data analysis was based on the interpretation of the interview data and the interpretations of patterns emerging from participants’ responses. The data results reveal that it is important to take student concerns, technical concerns, and pedagogical concerns into consideration before designing and implementing web-based courses. The results especially suggest a need for teams of teachers to work together to reduce potential problems in their areas and maximize efficiency in the process. They also call for both teachers and students to receive orientations into the process of web-based instruction before commencing it.