NEW WAYS OF LEARNING

New ways of learning

Vocabulary

a scientific test that is done in order to study what happens and to gain new knowledge

​experiment (n)

/ɪkˈsperɪmənt/

a meeting at which something, especially a new product or idea, or piece of work, is shown to a group of people

presentation (n)
/ˌpreznˈteɪʃn/

a piece of work involving careful study of a subject over a period of time, done by school or college students

​project (n)
/ˈprɒdʒekt/

a formal discussion of an issue at a public meeting or in a parliament. In a debate two or more speakers express opposite views and then there is often a vote on the issue.

​

​debate (n)
/dɪˈbeɪt/

​work done by a group of people working together, for example students in a classroom

group work (n)
/ˈɡruːp wɜːk/

a system of learning that uses electronic media, typically over the internet

​e-learning (n)
/ˈiː lɜːnɪŋ/

a piece of software that you can download to a device such as a smartphone or tablet, for example to look up information or to play a game

​

​app (n)

/æp/

the process of analysing information in order to make a logical decision about the extent to which you believe something to be true or false

​critical thinking (np)
/ˌkrɪtɪkl ˈθɪŋkɪŋ/

The act of finding solutions to difficult situations.

​problem - solving (n)
/ˈprɒbləm sɒlvɪŋ/

a system that enables people in different parts of the world to have a meeting by watching and listening to each other using video screens

​

​video conferencing (np)
/ˈvɪdiəʊ kɒnfərənsɪŋ/

Match

Please match the pictures with the words.

presentation

(noun) 

/ˌpreznˈteɪʃn/

group work

(noun) 

/ˈɡruːp wɜːk/

project

(noun) 

/ˈprɒdʒekt/

experiment

(noun)

/ɪkˈsperɪmənt/

debate

(noun) 

/dɪˈbeɪt/

• presentation

  (noun) 

  /ˌpreznˈteɪʃn/

• group work

  (noun) 

  /ˈɡruːp wɜːk/

• project

  (noun) 

  /ˈprɒdʒekt/

• experiment

  (noun)

  /ɪkˈsperɪmənt/

• debate

  (noun) 

  /dɪˈbeɪt/

Match

Please match the pictures with the words.

app (n)

/æp/

critical thinking (np)
/ˌkrɪtɪkl ˈθɪŋkɪŋ

problem - solving (n)
/ˈprɒbləm sɒlvɪŋ/

videoconferencing (np)
/ˈvɪdiəʊ kɒnfərən

e-learning (n)
/ˈiː lɜːnɪŋ/

• app (n)

  /æp/

• critical thinking (np)
  /ˌkrɪtɪkl ˈθɪŋkɪŋ

• problem - solving (n)
  /ˈprɒbləm sɒlvɪŋ/

• videoconferencing (np)
  /ˈvɪdiəʊ kɒnfərən

• e-learning (n)
  /ˈiː lɜːnɪŋ/

Lesson 1: Reading

Pre-reading

Multiple Choice

What do you think is the main tool used in online learning?

• Computers or smartphones

• Whiteboards

• Chalk and blackboard

Multiple Choice

One advantage of online learning is:

• Students must travel far to school.

• Students can learn anytime and anywhere.

• Students don’t need to do homework

Multiple Choice

Which skill is MOST important for successful online learning?

• Drawing skills

• Typing speed

• Self-discipline and time management

Multiple Choice

Why might online learning be difficult for some students?

• It is too short.

• Not all students have good internet or a quiet study space.

• Teachers speak too loudly.

Match

Please match the words and phrases with their meanings

• e -learning

• Cost-effective

• Accessible

• Isolation

Learning through digital tools

Saving money while achieving results

Easy to reach or use

Feeling alone or separated

• Learning through digital tools

• Saving money while achieving results

• Easy to reach or use

• Feeling alone or separated

Read the texts and answer the following questions:
The Pros and Cons of e-learning for Companies

In today’s digital age, businesses are constantly seeking innovative ways to train their employees effectively while minimizing costs and maximizing flexibility. One increasingly popular solution is e-learning. If you're considering an e-learning program for your company, you may be wondering about the advantages and disadvantages it presents as a learning solution. Jeff Suchan, account executive at Roundtable Learning, outlines several key pros and cons of e-learning that can help organizations make informed decisions about adopting this method of training.

One of the most significant advantages of e-learning is its cost-effectiveness. Unlike traditional instructor-led training that may require repeated expenses, e-learning typically involves a one-time development cost. Once the training materials are created, they can be used multiple times, and updates can be made as needed without starting from scratch. This makes e-learning a financially sustainable option for long-term training needs.

Another benefit is time efficiency. Employees can access e-learning modules without being pulled away from their duties or scheduled meetings. The 24/7 accessibility of digital learning materials allows employees to complete training before or after work, or even during short breaks. This level of flexibility means that learning can happen at any time, making e-learning highly adaptable to different work schedules.

Additionally, e-learning offers geographic flexibility. Employees from various locations—such as someone in California and another in New York—can experience the same training content without needing to be in the same room. This not only standardizes training across the organization but also significantly reduces travel costs and time commitments. Deadlines can be set for completion, allowing employees to work at their own pace while still meeting organizational timelines.

Despite these advantages, e-learning does present some challenges. One major disadvantage is its reliance on technology. Technical difficulties such as internet connectivity issues, low bandwidth, or forgotten passwords, can hinder the learning process. Organizations must be prepared to troubleshoot these issues to ensure smooth delivery.

Another concern is the potential for learner isolation. Some individuals thrive in face-to-face, instructor-led settings where they receive immediate feedback and peer interaction. For these learners, e-learning may feel isolating and less effective. To address this, companies can adopt a blended learning approach, combining e-learning with traditional instructor-led sessions to provide both flexibility and interpersonal engagement.

Finally, while self-paced learning is convenient for many, it can also be a drawback. Program managers have less control over the learning environment, relying on employees to manage their own time and stay motivated. This issue can be mitigated by incorporating elements of gamification, creating engaging content, or offering rewards upon completion to encourage participation and accountability.

In conclusion, e-learning presents a range of benefits, including cost savings, time efficiency, and location flexibility, making it a compelling choice for modern workforce training. However, it also brings challenges such as technical difficulties, feelings of isolation, and the need for self-discipline. By understanding these pros and cons, and possibly incorporating e-learning into a blended learning strategy, organizations can leverage digital learning to enhance employee development effectively.

While -reading

• Are the following statements true, false or not given according to the information in the passage above?

  • True = the statement matches the information in the passage.

  • False = the statement contradicts the information in the passage.

  • Not Given = the information is not found in the passage.

Multiple Choice

E-learning usually requires only a one-time development cost.

• True

• False

• Not given

Multiple Choice

Traditional training is always more effective than e-learning.

• True

• False

• Not given

Multiple Choice

Employees can access e-learning modules outside of their normal working hours.

• True

• False

• Not given

Multiple Choice

E-learning reduces the need for employees to travel for training.

• True

• False

• Not given

Multiple Choice

All employees find e-learning more engaging than face-to-face training.

• True

• False

• Not given

Multiple Choice

E-learning works best for companies with fewer than 50 employees.

• True

• False

• Not given

Multiple Choice

What is the main idea of the reading passage?

• E-learning should completely replace traditional classroom training.

• E-learning is an expensive but necessary option for modern companies.

• E-learning offers many benefits for companies, but it also comes with some challenges.

• Employees prefer self-paced learning because it saves them time and effort.

Post- reading

Group Project: Design Your Own e-learning Course

Work in groups of four and

• Choose a topic

• Create a plan for an e-learning course.

• Include methods to keep learners engaged (e.g., videos, quizzes, games).

• Present your plan to the whole class.

Lesson 2: Listening

Pre-listening

Multiple Choice

Choose the correct answer to fill in the gap: Blended learning is a way of learning that combines .............materials with traditional classroom methods.

• face to face

• online

• offline

• traditional

Match

Please match the words or phrases with their meanings.

• flexibility

• Interactive

• Collaboration

• Accessibility

• Self-discipline

The ability to adapt to many situations

Allowing two-way communication

Working together with others

Making things available to more people

Controlling one’s behavior

• The ability to adapt to many situations

• Allowing two-way communication

• Working together with others

• Making things available to more people

• Controlling one’s behavior

While-listening

Watch the video and answer the following questions

Multiple Choice

What is the main idea of the audio?

• Online learning is more interesting than classroom learning because it provides students with flexibility in scheduling, cost-effectiveness, and the ability to learn at their own pace.

• Blended learning combines in-person and online education to offer flexibility, diverse methods, and better accessibility, but it also has challenges.

• Traditional classrooms are becoming less necessary as online learning has become increasingly common..

• Blended learning may be impossible in the future, as combining online materials with face-to-face classes can be challenging.

Watch the video again and decide whether the statements are true or false.

Multiple Choice

Blended learning lets students learn only during class hours.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

Interactive simulations are one method used in blended learning.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

Blended learning can help students study at their own pace.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

Everyone has equal access to the internet and technology.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

Blended learning always leads to higher academic performance.

• True

• False

Please watch the video again and answer the following questions.

Discussion

Audio Response

Which do you prefer face to face, online or blended learning? Why?

Open Audio Recorder

Audio Response

How do students benefit from using educational apps or websites?

Open Audio Recorder

Lesson 3: Speaking
Talk about blended learning

Pre-speaking

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is an advantage of blended learning?

• It forces students to learn at the same speed

• It gives students more flexibility

• It removes teachers from the learning process

Multiple Choice

What can make blended learning more engaging?

• Turning off all interaction

• Adding gamified or interactive content

• Only using textbooks

While- speaking

Discuss with a partner the following questions together (5–7 minutes):

1. What subjects would teachers include in a blended learning class?

2. What activities would students do online?

3. What activities would students do face-to-face?

4. How often would students meet in person?

5. How would teachers keep students motivated?

Work in pairs again, create a short plan (on paper or slide):

• Give your blended class a name.

• Make a simple schedule showing what happens online vs. in class.

• Add 2–3 creative ideas to make your class fun and engaging (e.g., games, video projects, competitions).

Video Response

Take turns presenting your "Blended Learning Classroom Design" in 2-3 minutes!

Useful phrases:

• “In our class, students will…”

• “We chose to do ___ online because…”

• “In the classroom, students will…”

• “Our favorite idea is…”

Open Video Recorder

Post -speaking

Open Ended

Post-Speaking Activity: Reflect and Write

Title: "Would You Join Your Class?"

Write a short paragraph (about 100–150 words) answering the following question:

“Would you join the blended learning class you designed? Why or why not?”

Lesson 4: Writing
Write about the benefits of face to face learning.

Pre-writing

Poll

Topic sentence: Face-to-face learning offers numerous ........................ (drawbacks/ benefits) that promote more meaningful and lasting language acquisition.

• drawbacks

• benefits

• downsides

Read the sentences and choose the correct answer.

Match

Put the following phrases in the appropriate columns

• - Firstly/Secondly/Finally,

  - First/Second,

  - To conclude,

  - In conclusion,

  - In brief,

  - First and foremost,

  - Last but not least

• - The first/second benefit of … is   +N/V-ing

• - We will be able + to-V

  - This enables + us + to-V

  - It helps us + V

  - This allows students to +V

Linking words

structure

Expressions about the benefits

• Linking words

• structure

• Expressions about the benefits

While writing

Useful expressions
- Firstly/Secondly/Finally,

- First/Second,

- The first/second benefit of … is   +N/V-ing

- To conclude,

- In conclusion,

- In brief,

- First and foremost,

- Last but not least
- We will be able + to-V

- This enables + us + to-V

- It helps us + V

- This allows students to +V

Open Ended

Use the outline and expressions above to write a paragraph (120 - 150 words) about the benefits of face-to-face learning.

​Polling

Hi everyone! Please take a moment to complete this quick poll to share your ideas related to today’s lesson. Your feedback will be very useful for me to improve our future classes. Thank you!

Poll

Which learning method do you prefer the most?

• Online classes

• Blended learning

• face-to-face class

Poll

How do you feel about using technology (like tablets or laptops) in the classroom?

• I love it.

• It’s okay.

• I don’t like it.

Poll

Which tool helps you learn best?

• Videos

• Educational games (Quizizz, Kahoot)

• Reading e-books or PDFs

Poll

How often do you ask questions during online lessons?

• Frequently

• Sometimes

• Rarely

Poll

Which learning platform do you find easiest to use?

• Google Classroom

• Zoom

• Quizizz / Kahoot

Poll

Do you learn better alone or in a group?

• Alone

• In a group

• Depends on the topic

Poll

How confident do you feel about what we learned today?

• Very confident

• Somewhat confident

• Not confident yet

Poll

What would you like to do more next time?

• Group work

• Games

• Writing

Thank you for your cooperation!