Blended learning in english language teaching: Open educational resources used for academic purposes in tomsk polytechnic university

Abstract

The study describes blended learning as an innovative teaching method which combines different learning approaches supported by flexible interactive platforms and resources that offer new environments to improve skills and upgrade competences. The concept of blended learning suggests that under current conditions the educational system up-to-date methods of traditional education can be optimally combined with the advantages of remote technologies. The components of blended learning are defined. The benefits of teaching foreign languages with blended learning method are identified. The essential factors to find a “right” blend are singled out. One of the most effective resources widely used in Tomsk Polytechnic University is a Virtual Learning Environment Moodle. The e-course “The world of work” developed in Moodle environment is represented. The survey of certain available open educational resources to support education that may be freely accessed, downloaded, reused, modified and shared by anyone is given. The conclusion about comprising free Internet repositories and online courses to make English language teaching process more effective is described.