Distance education and second language instruction: an analysis and recommendations for integration. Master of Distance Education thesis, Athabasca University

Abstract

The following thesis surveyed and examined the fields of distance education and Second Language Acquisition in order to illustrate key theories and assumptions of both fields. This thesis is a synthesis of relevant learning theories and instructional methodologies for each environment, and describes how the two have evolved both individually and collectively. Using this historical review as a basis, recommendations for the development of on-line second language instruction have been generated, as have suggestions as to the direction for the combined future of distance education and Second Language instruction. The goals of this study were to provide a critical overview of second language acquisition, a critical assessment of distance education, and a comprehensive set of guiding principles for the provision of on-line second language instruction.