When important changes are in the works, the kind that will completely transform current workflows, it is important to prepare for all the steps to be taken throughout the process so that it will be a success. Implementing language web platforms or LMS (Learning Management System) at an educational center is one of these instances.

Language web platforms

Both in private and public education, integrating an LMS into the learning plan changes top-down work routines due to task automation. But they can also change because of the wide range of possibilities that open up for creating classes (multimedia and interactive materials, flipped classrooms, immersion).

When implementing language web platforms, its success depends on several factors, some of the most important of which are a supportive management, a good communication strategy and choosing the LMS that best meets your needs.

 

How to Implement Language Web Platforms

#1 A management that supports change and the LMS

Not only is it important for management to be convinced that using an LMS for studying languages will expand class capabilities, but it should also endorse the chosen language web platform. In terms of languages, the specialized platform is the only way to ensure that students are utilizing the most advanced tools for their studies.

This is perhaps the most crucial step because if management has any doubts, they will be passed on to the lower levels, and naturally, they will be reluctant to change, but change can become their greatest ally.

 

#2 Experience of language web platforms

An LMS specialized in languages facilitates teachers’ work for them. It reduces the time spent correcting exams, informs instructors in real time of their students’ progress, both individually and in groups, it makes it easier to use digital and interactive content, it enables flipped classrooms, etc.

However, teachers sometimes perceive these changes as threats to their jobs or as an additional challenge that will require a lot of effort to learn how to use the platform.

When teachers and tutors are informed of the changes to come, it is very common for them to go through different stages such as shock, denial or frustration, as the Kübler-Ross model points out, explained more in detail in this study by the University of Sussex.

That’s why it is essential to choose a specialized platform that’s been around for years, so that teachers can explore all the necessary options and successfully educate their students. Also, if the platform is intuitive, easy-to-use and provides valuable information such as monitoring reports and makes it easy to go digital in the classroom, it will be easier to adopt because of these aforementioned benefits.

 

Respond to all teachers’ queries with relevant information

For this information to reach teachers clearly, communication is key and questions such as the following will need to be answered: What is an LMS? What special features does it offer for language learning? How will the language web platforms be integrated into the classes and how and when will teachers receive training so they can become familiar with it?

But if there is one main question that needs to be answered before anyone even asks it, it is: “Why is it necessary to implement a learning platform and how will it help the school?”

The answer is easy: on the one hand, digitalizing all classroom processes saves teachers time and increases productivity. On the other hand, students have access to a learning platform where they can study 24/7 in an immersive environment that uses interactive materials.

 

#3 Specialization: the LMS that adapts to all needs

When searching for a Learning Management System platform for language classes, it is logical that a platform specialized in languages is the number one option. In addition to providing student management, course access, monitoring and assessments, a platform specialized in languages also offers features specific to teaching languages.

Voluxion, CAE’s cloud-based web platform specialized in languages, has lesson plans, a class schedule matrix, VCRs, conversation groups and private social communities.

 

Finally, we can’t forget the role students play in implementing the platform. New generations insist on multimedia and interactive content since that is what they are accustomed to, but in schools, where ages vary, such as universities, it is important to focus part of our implementation plan on getting the word out to students about the platform, offering training and clearly explaining all the benefits they will receive.

 

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