New Dimensions in Online Teaching and Learning of Foreign Languages: Proximity at a Distance

Abstract

AbstractThis paper discusses new paradigms in foreign language teaching and learning due to Covid-19 pandemic affecting the education system, modes of delivery and assessment, with special reference to teaching German as a Foreign Language at the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. The previously adopted blended learning approach to language teaching at the university was redesigned overnight to accommodate online teaching. Thus, one academic year was completed entirely through online delivery barring six weeks during which lectures were conducted in hybrid mode. This paper reviews the effects and impact of the change of mode of delivery from the teachers’ and students’ perspective as well as on their language competency, and the sustainability of the new approach to language teaching and learning. Student performance during continuous assessments, in class participation and end of year examinations, student feedback at the end of each session, questionnaire given at the completion of the selected courses and teacher feedback are the tools used for this study. The analysis of data show that online delivery has had a very positive impact on the students’ competencies which were not limited to language skills but also soft skills including IT and presentation skills, adapting to teamwork, student centred learning and online learning environment.KeywordsOnline teaching and learningStudent centred learningForeign language teaching