PEDAGOGICAL PRINCIPLES OF SYNCHRONOUS VIRTUAL EDUCATION: THE ELLUMINATE LIVE CASE AT THE FACULTY OF EDUCATIONAL AND LANGUAGE STUDIES (THE OPEN UNIVERSITY)

Abstract

In the current document the efficiency of the Elluminate Live tool is analyzed when it is used as a synchronous media in a virtual learning environment. In most of the research discussed, as for the integration of the tool in the university studies, it has been found that its use makes easier communication, interaction, development of online tutorials, lectures and debates. The main goal of the research shown in the current paper is to present the results obtained when using the synchronous communication tool in the process of learning and teaching of Languages Studies in the Open University. The sample consisted of one teacher and six tutors of Languages Studies of the Open University. In order to analyze the experience developed with the Elluminate Live tool, an interview with 13 questions of open answer was designed. The experience described by the tutors and the academics pointed out the advantages of the integration of synchronous communication in the teaching-learning process. Interviewees highlighted the potential of the tool for language teaching in distance education. It was considered that Elluminate Live is a facilitator of the learning process for the Open University courses, since it allows online tutorials where students can practice speaking. Key words: distance education; intelligent tutoring systems; interactive learning environments; pedagogical issues.