Designing Group Tasks in Online Task-Based Language Teaching Environments

Abstract

The design of online task-based language learning (TBLT) tasks encompasses the design of activity, settings, procedures, and participants. Previous empirical studies have conducted an extensive investigation on each design factor; however, an effective design of the online environment is built upon the interplay between the consideration of task types, online learning modalities, task implementation, and the participant background. A systematic review is needed to examine the potential synergistic effects of task design factors on students' online language learning experiences. The study investigated the current trends in the design of group TBLT task types in online settings and how task types and design features (modalities, participants, and task implementation) jointly influenced the language learning experience. The analysis revealed eight popular task types and synthesized how the design features affect language learning engagement and performance. The authors further discussed implications for future online TBLT task design and research.