Implementation of the Web-Based Collaborative Learning Model in College English Teaching

Computer-mediated Communication (CMC) systems in language teaching and learning refers to the net-based computer systems which offers opportunities for group communication such as Newsgroups, E-mail conferencing, Internet Relay Chat, Bulletin Board System and Virtual Classrooms through which collaborative activities such as discussions, debates, games/simulations, role-plays, case studies, etc. can be performed. CMC creates an excellent environment for a group of people to construct knowledge together by cooperating, comparing, evaluating and reflecting on their own views and those of others. Because of the above mentioned advantages, the collaborative learning model was implemented in English teaching in the author´s university. After two years´ experimental teaching, a quantitative study and a qualitative study were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the new teaching method through students´ final examination results of the 4 semesters from 2008 and 2009 and a carefully designed questionnaire. The result shows that CMC collaborative class is more effective than traditional class, in that students in CMC class have made consistent progress, have stronger learning motivation, more learning interests and develop more cooperative learning ability.