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Robert Oliwa

Instructional Designing and Modelling in Virtual Foreign Language Learning

Abstract: The goal set is to provide an insight into what virtual language learning implies nowadays as well as suggest a model for implementing virtual tools in everyday teaching practice. Traditional foreign language classroom may be considered a place to learn a language whereas an online virtual foreign language classroom can be thought of as a platform where a language is acquired and practised. The connection of the two is evident with the distance between them becoming increasingly shorter along with the development of computer technologies and introduction of new tools and applications. Despite numerous hurdles which online or virtual learning must overcome and despite still effectively functioning traditional language classroom the move towards virtual environments has already taken place. Virtuality, however, should never be a replacement of reality. It may just constitute an extension to what already happens in a classroom.

The limitless choice of online teaching resources and students’ reliance on Internet-based mobile tools have led to a point where language teachers are not expected to answer the question if but how and most importantly when to use online resources inside and outside the classroom. The dichotomy between the available resources, traditional printed ones on the one hand and electronic on the other poses a question of how to blend what we have in schools with what students already massively use outside.

A model which would...