THE ELP POWERS ONWARD WITH ONLINE INSTRUCTION

Resilience, resolve, confidence, boldness. These are not the first words taught to new international students in Purdue Northwest’s intensive English program, but the English Language Program (ELP) faculty and administration have embodied these words through their unprecedented shift to online instruction in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Chancellor Keon on March 11 directed all instructors to move their courses to online or alternative delivery through April 4; the ELP swiftly delivered. Director Jennifer Talley stated that, “through a combination of several media and tools such as PNW email, Zoom, recorded videos, Blackboard, and narrated PPT presentations, the ELP has already begun shifting all of their instruction online.” Courses that lend themselves to asynchronous instruction (such as reading class) can reside in Blackboard and through email, operating as traditional online classes with modules and assignments built into the online learning platform.

Classes that require interaction are employing platforms such as Zoom to provide synchronous learning. Students log into virtual meeting spaces during regularly scheduled class times, and instructors present material, engage students in large-group discussions, and even separate students into virtual “breakout rooms,” where they participate in speaking/listening activities with partners.

ELP faculty members are always improving face-to-face and distance education methodologies. Just two weeks ago, instructor Joy Perley presented a session at the annual ITBE (Illinois Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages-Bilingual Education) convention in February, “Presenting Purposeful Independent Activities with Built-In Feedback,” which introduced online tools that can be used in an alternative delivery setting (such as EdPuzzle, Google Forms, Pear Deck, Kahoot!, Quizlet, CommonLit, NewsELA, and Grammarly).

The ELP team has communicated plans for ongoing instruction to all ELP students and will be in constant contact to make sure students understand how to access their classes and course material. Students know that they can contact their instructors via email, phone, or virtual office hours. The ELP also has its team of mentors available via WhatsApp or FaceTime to converse with students or answer homework-related questions. Furthermore, the Office of Global Engagement in CLO 176 remains open if students need to appear in person. Stay healthy—stay safe—and Power Onward!