Tensions in Learner Support and Tutor Support in Tertiary Web-based English Education in China

Authors

  • Tong Wang Institute of Online Education, Beijing Foreign Studies University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v6i3.266

Abstract

Based on the findings of a national survey conducted in 2004 designed to examine the support systems for both learners and tutors engaged in tertiary-level Web-based English education in mainland China, this paper reports the findings of secondary analysis by identifying the tensions in the current learner and tutor support systems.

For learner support, four tensions were analyzed: (1) vigorous institutional learner support efforts versus learner utilization of the provisions; (2) learner qualities development versus academic support; (3) learner technical competence versus learner participation in online services; and (4) the relationship of face-to-face components and online components in learner support system design.

For tutor support, four tensions were identified: (1) institutional conceptual understanding versus the actual practices; (2) tutor' enthusiasm versus tutor’s perception of online education; (3) tutor responsibilities versus tutor commitment, and (4) current tutor support service repertoire versus tutor improvement areas.

The paper analyzes possible causes for the tensions and proposes some solutions to address these tensions.

Keywords: learner support, tutor support, China, Web-based, tertiary, English language education, tension

Author Biography

Tong Wang, Institute of Online Education, Beijing Foreign Studies University

Tong Wang is an Associate Professor at the Institute of Online Education, Beijing Foreign Studies University. She has been researching and publishing in the areas of English language teaching, cognitive styles, and open and distance learning. Professor Wang?s email address is: wangtong@tutor.beiwaionline.com

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Published

2006-02-22

How to Cite

Wang, T. (2006). Tensions in Learner Support and Tutor Support in Tertiary Web-based English Education in China. The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 6(3). https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v6i3.266

Issue

Vol. 6 No. 3 (2005)

Section

Research Articles

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