EAP and Distance Learning: Introduction

It may seem strange to focus on distance learning and EAP as there is little evidence, to date, that there is a much activity in this area. It would appear to be a marginal area of activity. Southampton University offer a pre-arrival on-line course for international students, and a few other universities offer EAP support in distance mode. However, it is my view that in the next five to ten years more and more universities will begin to provide fully distance EAP courses. Why is this? Firstly, there will be an increase in projects such as Nottingham’s in China (a kind of global branding of prestigious universities – whatever you may think of this). This entails providing quality assured learning materials across vast distances for a very large number of students: Distance materials may be seen as a cost-effective means to deliver these materials. Secondly, providing distance materials to prospective students is an attractive means of ensuring that international students arrive on campus already well prepared for academic life. Thirdly, more universities – in attempting to ‘cash in’ on the global market of international students will need to do more and more to attract these students. Therefore, providing state-of-the art materials is a means of keeping potential students loyal to the university. Fourthly, technology has advanced to such an extend that all types of multimedia interactions are possible now to counter the image and reputation of distance learning a s a poor relation to campus based education. Lastly, universities are providing more and more distance courses and providing EAP support is a natural extension of this activity.

In this component we will examine some of the issues in distance learning. Mostly, you will be required to think about the content here and apply it to the EAP context. Very little has been written about distance learning and EAP.