Adapting Materials for the Online Classroom
Expert-defined terms from the Professional Certificate in Teaching English Online in TEFL course at HealthCareCourses (An LSIB brand). Free to read, free to share, paired with a professional course.
Definition #
A design approach that automatically modifies the presentation of teaching materials to suit the learner’s device, screen size, and interaction mode.
Example #
A reading passage that re‑flows text, resizes images, and adjusts navigation controls when accessed from a smartphone versus a desktop computer.
Practical application #
Use CSS media queries in PDFs converted to HTML, or employ platforms that offer built‑in adaptive templates, ensuring that all learners can view the same content without manual resizing.
Challenges #
Requires familiarity with web design principles, testing across multiple devices, and may increase preparation time if original materials are not digitally native.
Definition #
Learning resources that learners can access at any time, independent of live instructor presence.
Example #
A video lesson on phrasal verbs uploaded to the LMS, accompanied by an interactive quiz that students complete before the next synchronous session.
Practical application #
Schedule release dates, embed deadlines within the course calendar, and provide clear instructions for accessing each resource.
Challenges #
Learners may procrastinate, leading to gaps in knowledge; instructors must create engaging content to maintain motivation without real‑time feedback.
Definition #
The coordinated use of sound and image to reinforce language concepts, supporting varied learning styles.
Example #
A short animation illustrating the sequence of events in a story, paired with a native‑speaker narration that highlights target vocabulary.
Practical application #
Align subtitles with spoken text, use captioning tools, and synchronize visual cues with audio pauses to emphasize grammatical structures.
Challenges #
Producing high‑quality AV content can be time‑intensive; file size must be managed to avoid bandwidth issues for learners with limited internet access.
Definition #
The assessment of internet capacity required to deliver online teaching materials without interruption.
Example #
Offering a 720p video as an optional download for low‑bandwidth users while streaming at 1080p for those with faster connections.
Practical application #
Provide multiple file formats, use adaptive streaming services, and inform learners of recommended connection speeds for each activity.
Challenges #
Overlooking bandwidth can lead to frustration, dropout, or inequitable access, especially in regions with unstable networks.
Definition #
An instructional model that combines online digital media with traditional face‑to‑face teaching, allowing flexibility in content delivery.
Example #
Students complete an online grammar module at home, then practice speaking in a live virtual breakout room.
Practical application #
Map curriculum objectives to online and synchronous components, ensuring that each mode reinforces the other.
Challenges #
Coordinating schedules, maintaining consistency across modalities, and ensuring that online tasks are not merely add‑ons but integral to learning.
Definition #
A cloud‑based platform that hosts course materials, assessments, and communication tools for online English teaching.
Example #
Uploading a set of interactive reading exercises to Canvas, linking them to a gradebook column, and setting automatic release dates.
Practical application #
Use Canvas’s built‑in discussion boards for peer feedback, embed multimedia directly into pages, and employ analytics to monitor student progress.
Challenges #
Requires training for both instructors and learners; some features may be limited by institutional licensing, and navigation can be confusing for novices.
Definition #
The amount of mental effort required to understand and retain new information; in online materials, it must be managed to prevent overload.
Example #
A slide deck that presents one grammar rule, a single example sentence, and a brief practice activity on each page rather than clustering multiple concepts.
Practical application #
Chunk content into bite‑sized units, use clear headings, and provide visual scaffolds such as icons or color coding to guide learners.
Challenges #
Balancing sufficient challenge with simplicity; excessive simplification may under‑stimulate advanced learners.
Definition #
Legal rights that protect creators of original works; educators must ensure they have permission to reproduce or adapt materials for online courses.
Example #
Using an open‑access article under a Creative Commons Attribution license to create a reading comprehension activity.
Practical application #
Verify licensing terms before uploading, attribute sources correctly, and consider creating original content when existing resources are restricted.
Challenges #
Navigating complex international copyright laws, especially when learners are in multiple jurisdictions, and avoiding inadvertent infringement.
Definition #
The process of creating a story using digital tools, integrating text, audio, images, and video to develop language skills.
Example #
Learners produce a short video about a cultural festival, scripting dialogue, recording voice‑overs, and adding subtitles.
Practical application #
Provide templates, guide students through story arcs, and use peer review forums for feedback on narrative coherence and language accuracy.
Challenges #
Requires access to editing software, may be time‑consuming, and technical glitches can impede the creative process.
Definition #
Techniques designed to capture and sustain learner interest and participation in an online environment.
Example #
Incorporating a Kahoot! quiz after a grammar lesson to reinforce key points and promote competition.
Practical application #
Alternate between passive (reading) and active (discussion) activities, use breakout rooms for small‑group collaboration, and provide immediate feedback.
Challenges #
Over‑reliance on novelty can distract from learning goals; not all learners respond equally to competitive elements.
Definition #
An instructional method where learners first encounter new material outside class, then apply knowledge during live sessions.
Example #
Students watch a video on conditional sentences, complete an online worksheet, and then practice speaking in a synchronous role‑play.
Practical application #
Clearly outline expectations for pre‑class work, embed formative checks, and design synchronous activities that require the prior knowledge.
Challenges #
Monitoring completion of pre‑class tasks, ensuring equity for learners with limited access, and preventing the “lecture‑only” fallback.
Definition #
The application of game design elements to non‑game contexts to motivate learners and increase participation.
Example #
Awarding a “Vocabulary Master” badge after a learner correctly uses 50 new words in written assignments.
Practical application #
Set clear criteria for earning points, integrate progress bars into the LMS, and align game mechanics with learning objectives.
Challenges #
Risk of focusing on extrinsic rewards, potential demotivation for lower‑performing students, and the need to balance fun with academic rigor.
Definition #
Inserting clickable links within digital texts that direct learners to supplementary content or external sites.
Example #
Embedding a link to an authentic news article within a reading comprehension task, allowing learners to explore related vocabulary.
Practical application #
Use descriptive anchor text, ensure links open in new tabs, and regularly check for broken URLs.
Challenges #
Over‑linking can overwhelm learners; reliance on external sites may introduce accessibility or copyright issues.
Definition #
Creating learning materials that accommodate diverse abilities, cultural backgrounds, and language proficiencies.
Example #
Providing transcripts for all audio files, using high‑contrast colors, and offering alternative text for images.
Practical application #
Follow WCAG guidelines, conduct learner surveys to identify needs, and incorporate multiple representation modes (visual, auditory, kinesthetic).
Challenges #
Additional development time, need for expertise in accessibility standards, and possible constraints of the chosen platform.
Definition #
A digital space where instructors and learners can draw, write, and manipulate objects in real time during synchronous sessions.
Example #
Using an interactive whiteboard to map out sentence structures, allowing students to annotate directly on the board.
Practical application #
Choose a tool compatible with the LMS, set up shared access permissions, and record the board activity for later review.
Challenges #
Bandwidth demands, learning curve for both teacher and students, and potential latency that can disrupt smooth collaboration.
Definition #
Software that delivers, tracks, and manages educational content and learner interactions in an online setting.
Example #
Moodle hosting weekly modules, quizzes, and discussion forums for an English for Academic Purposes course.
Practical application #
Structure the course with clear navigation, use automated grading where appropriate, and leverage analytics to identify at‑risk learners.
Challenges #
System complexity, need for ongoing technical support, and ensuring that the LMS aligns with pedagogical goals rather than dictating them.
Definition #
The process of reducing the size of audio, video, or image files while maintaining acceptable quality for online delivery.
Example #
Converting a 500 MB lecture video to an MP4 with a 720p resolution and a 1 Mbps bitrate to facilitate smoother streaming.
Practical application #
Use compression tools before uploading, test playback on various devices, and provide download‑friendly versions for offline access.
Challenges #
Excessive compression can degrade audio clarity, affecting pronunciation practice; balancing quality with file size is essential.
Definition #
Ensuring that adapted online materials directly support the intended teaching objectives and assessment criteria.
Example #
Selecting a digital story that targets the CEFR B2 level lexical range when the lesson goal is to develop advanced reading strategies.
Practical application #
Conduct a gap analysis between original print resources and their online adaptations, adjusting activities to fill identified gaps.
Challenges #
Time‑intensive review process, risk of misalignment if adaptation focuses solely on format rather than content relevance.
Definition #
Online classes that occur at a scheduled time, allowing immediate interaction between teacher and learners.
Example #
A 60‑minute Zoom class where students practice speaking through breakout‑room role‑plays.
Practical application #
Prepare an agenda, use interactive tools (polls, chat), and record the session for those who cannot attend.
Challenges #
Coordinating across time zones, managing technical disruptions, and ensuring all participants remain actively engaged.
Definition #
A framework that provides flexible pathways for learners to perceive, process, and demonstrate knowledge.
Example #
Offering text, audio, and video explanations for a grammar point, allowing learners to choose the mode that best suits their learning style.
Practical application #
Embed options for captioning, provide downloadable transcripts, and design assessments that accept both oral and written responses.
Challenges #
Requires thoughtful planning to create multiple representations without overwhelming the instructor, and may demand additional resources.
Definition #
Adding synchronized textual representations of spoken dialogue and relevant sounds to video content.
Example #
Captioning a listening comprehension video so that learners can follow along while reading the spoken words.
Practical application #
Use automated captioning tools, edit for accuracy, and embed captions directly into the video player for easy toggling.
Challenges #
Automated captions often contain errors, especially with accented speech; manual correction is necessary to ensure linguistic accuracy.
Definition #
Using software to streamline repetitive processes in material preparation and delivery, such as file conversion or grade posting.
Example #
Setting up a Zapier workflow that automatically uploads a newly created PDF lesson to the LMS and notifies the class via email.
Practical application #
Identify routine tasks, select appropriate automation tools, and test the workflow before full implementation.
Challenges #
Initial setup can be complex, and reliance on third‑party services may pose security or compatibility concerns.
Definition #
A feature that splits a large synchronous meeting into separate, smaller sessions for focused interaction.
Example #
Assigning pairs of students to practice dialogue using a target phrase, then rotating groups to ensure varied interaction.
Practical application #
Pre‑assign rooms based on proficiency levels, provide clear instructions, and monitor each room through the host view.
Challenges #
Managing time efficiently, ensuring all groups remain on task, and handling technical issues when participants lose connection.
Definition #
The systematic evaluation of online materials to confirm they are usable by learners with disabilities.
Example #
Running a WCAG checklist on a lesson page to verify appropriate heading structure, alt text for images, and keyboard navigation.
Practical application #
Involve learners with diverse needs in beta testing, document findings, and revise content accordingly.
Challenges #
Requires specialized knowledge, may reveal extensive revisions, and must be repeated whenever new content is added.
Definition #
The process where multiple learners simultaneously add comments, highlights, or notes to a digital text.
Example #
Using a Google Doc to collectively annotate a literary excerpt, each student marking unfamiliar idioms and suggesting definitions.
Practical application #
Set clear guidelines for annotation symbols, assign roles (e.g., annotator, reviewer), and use the activity to foster discussion.
Challenges #
Potential for overlapping edits, need for version control, and ensuring that annotations remain focused on learning objectives.
Definition #
The competence to locate, evaluate, and create information using digital technologies, essential for effective online learning.
Example #
Teaching students how to search for reputable language resources, evaluate source credibility, and cite them properly.
Practical application #
Incorporate mini‑workshops on platform navigation, file management, and safe internet practices at the start of the course.
Challenges #
Varied baseline skills among learners, requiring differentiated support and ongoing reinforcement.
Definition #
Cyclical processes where learners receive timely information on performance, enabling them to adjust their learning strategies.
Example #
After a speaking task, the teacher provides audio comments highlighting strengths and areas for improvement, and students submit a revised version.
Practical application #
Use rubrics, audio‑recorded feedback, and peer‑review mechanisms to create multiple feedback channels.
Challenges #
Managing the volume of feedback for large classes, ensuring feedback is specific and actionable, and preventing overload for learners.
Definition #
Online tools that present quiz questions in a game‑like environment, often featuring timers, scores, and visual rewards.
Example #
A Kahoot! session where each correct answer earns points, and a leaderboard displays top performers after each round.
Practical application #
Align quiz content with recent lessons, set time limits to increase challenge, and debrief results to reinforce learning.
Challenges #
Overemphasis on competition can discourage some learners; technical glitches may affect fairness.
Definition #
Adding descriptive data to digital materials (e.g., keywords, level, skill focus) to facilitate organization and retrieval.
Example #
Tagging a listening activity with “B1”, “listening”, “environmental vocabulary”, and “audio”.
Practical application #
Use LMS fields or external databases to input metadata, enabling learners to filter resources based on their needs.
Challenges #
Consistency in tagging across multiple contributors, and the extra time required for thorough metadata entry.
Definition #
Structured sessions where learners evaluate each other’s work, offering feedback that supports language development.
Example #
Students exchange draft essays, apply a checklist to comment on cohesion, grammar, and lexical range, then revise accordingly.
Practical application #
Provide clear rubrics, model effective feedback, and allocate time for both giving and receiving comments.
Challenges #
Ensuring feedback quality, managing interpersonal dynamics, and preventing plagiarism.
Definition #
Learning activities designed with incremental support, gradually reducing assistance as competence increases.
Example #
A writing assignment that starts with sentence frames, progresses to paragraph outlines, and culminates in a full essay without prompts.
Practical application #
Map each scaffold to a specific skill, provide exemplars, and remove supports as learners demonstrate mastery.
Challenges #
Determining the appropriate level of support for diverse learners, and avoiding over‑scaffolding that limits autonomy.
Definition #
Computer‑generated, three‑dimensional settings that learners can explore using headsets or web‑based viewers to practice language in context.
Example #
A VR market scene where students negotiate prices in English, practicing functional language for transactions.
Practical application #
Integrate short VR experiences as optional enrichment, provide clear navigation instructions, and debrief with reflective discussions.
Challenges #
High equipment cost, potential motion sickness, and the need for technical support to ensure smooth operation.
Definition #
Institutional rules governing the capture, storage, and distribution of live online sessions.
Example #
Obtaining explicit consent from participants before recording a class, and storing the file on a secure server for limited access.
Practical application #
Communicate policies at the start of each session, provide alternatives for those who opt out, and ensure compliance with data protection regulations.
Challenges #
Balancing transparency with the desire to reuse recordings for future learners, and managing consent across international jurisdictions.
Definition #
A feature that allows the instructor to pose multiple‑choice questions during a live session, collecting real‑time responses.
Example #
After teaching a new idiom, the teacher asks “Which sentence uses the idiom correctly?” and displays poll results instantly.
Practical application #
Use polls to gauge comprehension, encourage participation, and adapt the lesson flow based on results.
Challenges #
Limited question types, potential for technical delays, and ensuring that all learners can see and respond to the poll.
Definition #
A graphical interface that presents aggregated data on learner activity, progress, and engagement, aiding instructional decision‑making.
Example #
A dashboard showing average quiz scores, time‑on‑task, and forum participation rates for each cohort.
Practical application #
Monitor at‑risk students, identify content that may need revision, and share insights with learners to promote self‑regulation.
Challenges #
Interpreting data accurately, protecting learner privacy, and avoiding over‑reliance on quantitative metrics at the expense of qualitative insights.
Definition #
An evaluation method that adjusts the difficulty of subsequent questions based on the learner’s previous answers, providing a tailored measurement of ability.
Example #
An online grammar test that presents increasingly complex sentences as the learner answers correctly, and simplifies when errors occur.
Practical application #
Use platforms that support adaptive algorithms, set clear proficiency thresholds, and provide immediate feedback for each item.
Challenges #
Requires robust question banks, potential bias if the algorithm is not calibrated for diverse language backgrounds, and the need for technical support.
Definition #
Online tools that enable multiple users to compose, edit, and comment on a text simultaneously.
Example #
Students co‑author a short story in Google Docs, each contributing a paragraph and providing peer comments.
Practical application #
Assign roles (author, editor, proofreader), set version‑control guidelines, and use comment threads for feedback.
Challenges #
Managing overlapping edits, ensuring equitable contribution, and maintaining document security.
Definition #
Applications that analyze spoken input and provide corrective feedback on articulation, stress, and intonation.
Example #
A tool that records a learner’s reading of a passage, compares it to a native model, and highlights mismatched phonemes.
Practical application #
Incorporate short pronunciation drills, assign self‑assessment tasks, and use the software’s analytics to track improvement.
Challenges #
Accuracy may vary with accents, background noise can affect results, and learners may become overly dependent on the tool.
Definition #
A centralized collection of teaching materials, activities, and multimedia assets that can be accessed and reused across courses.
Example #
An online folder containing printable worksheets, audio files, and video clips categorized by CEFR level and skill focus.
Practical application #
Tag resources with metadata, provide search functionality, and encourage instructors to contribute new materials.
Challenges #
Keeping the repository organized, preventing duplication, and ensuring that materials remain up‑to‑date and relevant.
Definition #
Techniques that improve the delivery of live or on‑demand video content to users with varying internet speeds.
Example #
Using a content delivery network that automatically switches between 360p and 720p streams based on the learner’s connection quality.
Practical application #
Choose platforms that support adaptive streaming, set appropriate default resolutions, and test performance across regions.
Challenges #
Additional cost for CDN services, potential latency, and the need to monitor streaming metrics continuously.
Definition #
Scheduled times when instructors are available online for individual or small‑group consultations, often via video chat.
Example #
A teacher holds a weekly 30‑minute Zoom slot where students can drop in to discuss assignment feedback.
Practical application #
Publish a shared calendar, provide a booking link, and set clear expectations for preparation and duration.
Challenges #
Coordinating across time zones, managing multiple simultaneous requests, and ensuring equitable access for all learners.
Definition #
International guidelines that define how digital content should be designed to be usable by people with disabilities.
Example #
Ensuring that all interactive buttons have descriptive ARIA labels so screen‑reader users can understand their purpose.
Practical application #
Conduct regular compliance audits, use automated testing tools, and train staff on accessibility best practices.
Challenges #
Keeping up with evolving standards, balancing design aesthetics with functional requirements, and addressing legacy content that may not meet criteria.
Definition #
Using custom virtual backgrounds that depict relevant settings (e.g., a restaurant) to create situational context for speaking activities.
Example #
Learners select a café background and role‑play ordering food, using target vocabulary while the visual context reinforces meaning.
Practical application #
Provide a library of themed backgrounds, instruct learners on how to activate them, and integrate the visual element into the activity rubric.
Challenges #
Technical setup may vary across devices, and background quality can distract if not properly aligned with learning objectives.