Teaching English by the web : implications for teacher training in Hong Kong. Part 1 : strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats

Abstract

This paper describes some strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of Internetbased English language learning. This is done from the learning, teaching, technical and managerial points of view. A pilot survey was carried out to assess students’ and teachers’ experiences of learning and teaching English via the Internet in the Centre for Independent Language Learning of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Findings include that students believe using the Internet has improved their research skills; sometimes they study in more depth than is necessary; many find that they do not have enough computer knowledge when using the Internet, and that using the Internet has made them more independent learners. Most teachers had communicated with students by e-mail, ICQ or the Internet, but very few had put pages onto the Internet. Given the emphasis placed on IT by the Education Commission of the Hong Kong Government, suggestions are made for teacher training in the use of the Internet for English language learning Hong Kong.