Virtual Classes as an Innovative Tool for Conference Interpreter Training
Virtual Classes as an Innovative Tool for Conference Interpreter Training

Summary/Abstract: Virtual Classes (VCs) make up a pedagogical tool taking advantage of the idea of remote interpreting and videoconferencing forsimulations of interpreting. At present, the Institute of Applied Linguistics, University of Warsaw, is the only interpreter trainingcenter in Poland to offer such a blended learning model. The aim of this paper is to present the findings of a longitudinal studybased on observations of various stages of VCs in which both the trainers and trainees have been involved. The material for thestudy consists of the author’s field notes from observations, including the trainers’ and trainees’ opinions, as well as written documents in the form of draft scripts prepared for each VC. The results of the study show that VCs make up an effective componentof a blended learning model. Although they cannot replace face-to-face training, they provide both professional and pedagogicalopportunities for the trainees. Furthermore, VCs are associated with organizational, technical, and pedagogical effort on the partof the trainers. In general, an overwhelming need for development of this component as contributing to innovative interpretertraining should be underlined, as well as for further research in the field.

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