Interactive Self-Learning Activities on EngNet of FJCU

In addition, the instructors are of different cultural backgrounds and have different teaching styles. Hence, students can choose a suitable teacher and the content they feel interested in discussing in class. Teachers are willing to adjust the course according to students’ interests and needs, enabling students to explore distinctive themes and see how English is more than a subject, but a tool for different fields and aspects.

The reward system of self-learning points motivates students to complete the learning task continuously. Students who succeed in collecting 500 points can get a bonus of 5000NT dollars.

“The Cloud Chatroom breaks the limit of space and time, which allows me to engage in the English speaking practice wherever and whenever I want. I see the strength of online classes, particularly during the pandemic. I don’t need to risk my safety and spend time on the road to head for the classroom. This helps me save my time and energy, making it easier to persist in practicing,” said Charlotte Tsai, a Nursing major student at FJU.

For Ann Lin, a student in the History Department, “Meeting teachers online is a comfortable way for me to improve my English ability, for it helps reduce my stress. This sense of security encourages me to speak English more actively. In addition, the teachers have various cultural backgrounds and experiences of living in different countries. The Cloud Chatroom is valuable because it creates a space for us to share and understand different cultures.”

In addition, EngNet has the Cloud Writing Room, which provides instruction and feedback on students’ English writing. Students can choose the genre and the topic of their article. Once they finish their work and upload their tasks to the Cloud Chatroom, they will receive corrections and suggestions from teachers. If students have further questions about writing, they can book a time to consult the writing instructors for extra guidance.

“I like that I can choose which theme I feel the need to explore in class. For example, if I need to write an English email letter but don’t know what to do, I can propose my specific request and will get help from Cloud Writing Room,” said Charlotte Tsai. “Cloud Writing Room also assists Students with the writing tests for TOEFL and IELTS. Therefore, I am glad to see that we have a place where we can get help with the abundant resources.”

Cloud Chatroom and Cloud Writing Room are just two of the two activities included in Interactive Self Learning on EngNet.

For instance, the Fun Pack activities are held as games to add fun to students' learning journeys. By breaking through different challenges, students get rewarded with extra self-learning points. Moreover, the games unfold based on various types of themes, including science, myths, astronomy and so on and so forth. The creative form of learning deepens students' impressions of what they have learned.

“Fun Pack activities use many visual auxiliaries to extend our time of paying attention. The learning process is very participatory. I feel energized rather than exhaustive by attending this form of activity," said Ann Lin.

Nowadays, with the trend of combining technology with education and the impact of the pandemic, online learning has become a prevailing and even a norm for students' studies. Many students agree that activities on EngNet usher in more possibilities for gaining success in their English learning. Though many projects are still not very well-known by teachers and students on campus, the significance of interactive self-learning activities is getting more noticeable, especially, during the pandemic and the promotion of a bilingual learning environment in Taiwan resulting from globalization.