A Combination of a Textbook and E-Learning in an ESP Classroom

Abstract

As an English language teacher in a state university, the author has written three textbooks for three ESP courses. They have been published by the university press, mainly for the use of our own students. Teachers from many other universities order the books published by our university and use them in their classes as well. One textbook among the three has already been transformed into an E-Learning format with the financial support and facilities provided by the university; however, the students taking this course, English for Import-Export Business, had previously never used this E-Learning program by themselves. Instead, they relied only on the textbook and lectures. They were accustomed to doing traditional activities and practice exercises in class. Even though announcements were made in the classroom about the existence of E-Learning for this subject, the students did not show much interest. However, the instructor continued to believe in the potential of E-Learning, with its vivid pictures, interesting audio content, and lively videos and activities adapted from the textbook. On top of that, the instructor had received positive comments from a student who had enjoyed the E-Learning. Thus, the decision was made to implement a new teaching method: the integration of online E-Learning technology and the traditional style of teaching using a textbook in the classroom. So far this method has worked very well with this subject, which requires a content-based pedagogy.