English distance learning: possibilities and limitations of MEO for the Flipped Classroom

Abstract: The study investigates possibilities and limitations of the course My English Online (MEO) for the inverted classroom format. Two hundred and eighty-nine Brazilian federal university students evaluated MEO software in terms of usability features. Three participants were interviewed for data triangulation. Results of the study suggest that users with more experience are more sensitive to aspects of human-computer interaction than less experienced ones, particularly when the criteria of Flexibility, User Experience, Informational Density and Feedback are considered. In addition, findings also show that the speaking and writing skills are the most difficult to develop in MEO course. The study concludes that, in order to overcome limitations in MEO, especially in terms of the Feedback criterion, the software can and should be used in the flipped classroom format.

摘要：本研究探讨了《我的在线英语》（My English Online，MEO）课程应用于翻转课堂教学模式的可行性与局限性。共有289名巴西联邦高校学生从可用性特征维度对MEO软件进行了评估，另选取3名参与者开展访谈以进行数据三角验证。研究结果表明，相较于经验较少的使用者，经验更丰富的用户对人机交互相关维度的感知更为敏锐，尤其在考量灵活性、用户体验、信息密度与反馈四项评价标准时。此外，研究结果还显示，在MEO课程中，口语与写作技能的提升是难度最高的环节。本研究最终得出结论：为克服MEO软件存在的局限性，尤其是反馈维度的不足，该软件能够且应当应用于翻转课堂教学模式中。