Using Wiki-Technology for the Creation of a Virtual Learning Environment for "The World of Britain" Distance Course

Wikispaces.com was chosen as the platform of the virtual learning environment for the distance course "The World of Britain" due to its interactivity and a "social nature", which allows the involvement of distance learners into didactic communication and building of "virtual learning communities" (VLC) united by shared goals and emotional relationships. Within VLC it is possible to raise students' motivation by applying efficacious pedagogy, namely, the principle of "collaborative learning", the productivity of which was noted long ago by the classics of social constructivism. It is also considered by contemporary didactics as one of the principal strategies for learning in general, and for distance learning in particular. Didactic communication is realized via discussions. In wiki there is a special virtual space, a forum, where students discuss the problems under study, each adding his/her "contribution" to a group discussion, thus creating a new educational resource used by all members of the community. By using this resource, new knowledge is added to each student's personal knowledge. Apart from extending knowledge of the discipline, discussion as a didactic approach promotes the development of the dialogue meta-competence. Wiki makes it possible to create, structure and update the multimedia content of the course as it allows one to build in the platform graphical, audio and video materials (authentic texts, podcasts and videos in English) which is particularly important for learners of the English language and British culture. It also enables one to structure and monitor autonomous learning of distance students, as their tutor can be "virtually present" in the learning environment of the course, guiding and / or commenting on a discussion and checking students' assignments. The concept, structure and content of the course is described in detail. Surveys conducted on the completion of the course aimed at finding out students' opinions on studying in VCL in wikispaces showed a high level of satisfaction with the educational potential of the course and with their academic achievements.

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