GoalExplain what an online learning environment is and what pupils and teachers do in it.
New words
online learning environment · a place on a screen where teachers and pupils learn togethervirtual lesson · a lesson that a teacher puts onlinehomework · work that a teacher asks you to do at homehand in · to give your finished work to the teacher
Explanation
An online learning environment is like a school that opens on a screen. Teachers and pupils can communicate with each other wherever they are. A teacher can put virtual lessons, quizzes and homework there so that pupils can reach them. Pupils can send messages to their teachers and hand in their finished work. Think of a classroom: the board is the lesson page, the notice-board holds the quizzes and the homework list, and the teacher’s desk is where you hand in your work. Online, all of this fits on a screen. It helps when pupils cannot all be in the same room. Pupils use it as the teacher explains, with a grown-up nearby, and they keep their passwords secret.
Real classroom
Online classroom
the board
the lesson page
the notice-board
the list of quizzes and homework
the teacher’s desk
the place where you hand in work
asking a question in class
sending a message to the teacher
Worked examples
Hana is away on a family trip. Her teacher put today’s lesson and a short quiz online. In the evening Hana does them with her father and hands them in.
Omar does not understand question three of the homework. He sends a message to his teacher through the learning page. The teacher answers with a hint.
The school has a rule: a pupil never shares the password of the learning page. Mariam keeps hers secret, and if she forgets it she asks her teacher.
Class activity
Paper online classroom. Draw a big screen on a sheet with four boxes: Lessons, Quizzes, Homework and Messages. Fill each box with pretend items for one subject. Swap sheets with a partner. Your partner “hands in” homework by putting a paper in your envelope and asks one question on a sticky note. You answer on the note. Then swap roles.
Practice
1
What is an online learning environment?
A place on a screen where teachers and pupils learn together.
2
Name two things a teacher can put in an online learning environment.
Virtual lessons, quizzes and homework (any two).
3
What can pupils do there?
Send messages to their teachers and hand in their finished work.
4
Which online part works like the teacher’s desk where you hand in work? Say the letter.
