Innovative Learning Design for Online Language Learning: A Systems Design Framework

With the demand for access to diverse modes of learning, this chapter focuses on how online Chinese language learning can be effectively designed to maximize learning outcomes. As teaching and learning a second language in a fully online mode is a new and rapidly evolving process, there are many challenges facing language professionals. Online language learning in this research refers to learning conducted fully online, in which learners are separated from education providers and their peers by distance. This research first proposes a framework for online language learning design based on established instructional design models, a systems approach to learning design, and language learning theories. The proposed framework addresses six basic elements in online learning design, namely, the analysis of learners, the assessment of technological affordances, course design, learning support design, ongoing reflection and evaluation, and continuous improvement. A systems approach is adopted to emphasize the inter-relationship between the six elements which interact to constantly improve learning outcomes. This framework is then evaluated using the learning design built into a fully online Chinese program offered at Griffith University in Australia, as a case study. The evaluation indicates that the proposed framework is effective in capturing the essential design elements in online language learning, and more importantly, in promoting the inter-connection and interaction between these elements which constantly interact with each other to form an iterative cycle of analysis, design, evaluation and improvement. It is expected that this research will advance our understanding of the optimal design for online language learning in particular and the potential of online language learning as a whole.