THE CHALLENGES OF ELEARNING FOR TRAINERS INVOLVED IN TEACHING FOREIGN LANGUAGES TO DISTANCE LEARNERS
THE CHALLENGES OF ELEARNING FOR TRAINERS INVOLVED IN TEACHING FOREIGN LANGUAGES TO DISTANCE LEARNERS

Summary/Abstract: Conventionally, education is perceived as transfer of knowledge and skills from teachers to learners. However, when it comes to electronic tools, one has to acknowledge that it is the students who are often more familiar with using them, as well as more informed about new web communities and approaches to online resources. Starting from the premise that educators should find a way to benefit from this experience, the article brings forth the need for further developing e-skills among foreign language trainers at the Bucharest University of Economic Studies. Our research focuses on the experience of students and teachers involved in Distance Learning, and provides several suggestions for improving the efficiency of e-learning instruments and methods used in these programs. The main concern is to identify the core abilities that are required for teachers to become skillful users of online resources. Are digital skills everything they need? Is it enough for them to know how to use technology in order to improve their teaching and encourage their students to engage in autonomous learning? If not, what other conditions do they have to fulfill for performing effectively as e-teachers? After analyzing responses provided by students enrolled in Distance Learning programs at the Bucharest University of Economic Studies and by their foreign language trainers, we posit that, apart from developing their computer-based skills, trainers should also take into account the needs, expectations and input of distance learners. As shown in our article, a significant step in this direction would be encouraging an exchange of opinions regarding the role of online interaction in enhancing students' foreign language acquisition.

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