Application of LMS Moodle for distance learning foreign languages at university

Abstract

The article deals with the application of the Moodle system for teaching the subject of foreign languages (English language) at the distance learning department of Petroleum engineering at Samara State Technical University (Russia). The paper provides an outline of the course structure, tools for practical classes, independent work and the forms of assessment procedure. The course content is presented and divided into modules in a logical way according to the main education programme. The tool chosen for instruction for practical classes has been the Page tool. Tasks for independent work are provided via the Assignment tool. The efficiency of the course has been analyzed according to the data provided by the system: students` online activity in the course, fulfilled assignments and assessment reports based on the quiz results. The research has proved that the tools chosen for the course to be relevant to the subject. Analysis has shown that the learning materials and files with exercises are easily accessible. Moodle system has been considered to be appropriate for distance learning of students with a low level of language proficiency.