Computer-mediated TESOL - Employing Technology to Meet the Global Demand for English Instruction

This paper introduces computer-mediated Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages in the context of a globalized world where English has, for a variety of reasons, assumed the position as a global auxiliary language, resulting in high demand for quality English instruction. This demand has generated a wide and diverse array of solutions to meet it and among those solutions, computer-mediated instruction and live tutoring seem well suited to bring together the skills and interests of native English speakers with the desire of the world, domestically and abroad. While synergistic, the future of electronically-delivered English instruction in China and elsewhere will depend on a variety of factors including the role and shape of English as an international language, the willingness of native speakers to participate, the recognition of such opportunities by emerging markets, and the character and popularity of technological applications required for its continued dissemination. Although this paper focuses primarily on the computer-mediated teaching of English in China, the technical and logistical issues discussed may be applied to computer-mediated instruction in other languages and in other countries.