A Business English Course in the Digital Era: Design and Analysis

Abstract

This research reconsiders the design of a business English course in the digital era, taking into account previous experience both of classroom-based and online learning. After experiencing traditional educational limitations, new technological advantages and student and teacher surveys, we showed that we should follow an integrated approach, as it is more enriching and effective. The objective was to develop a course adapted to the needs and preferences of current learners. A blended methodology is the best option, based on our analyses of all the fundamental aspects for ESP curriculum development: students’ needs, specialised discourse, methodology, course content, resources and activities. As the hardest areas to tackle are oral skills, we used online resources, activities and tools (such as Moodle, Skype and podcasts) that were made possible by a plan for technology implementation in our university. Finally, we analysed not only the benefits in the design of a blended course, but also the technological problems associated with the resources, providing digital recommendations to help make them more productive.