Blended Learning in ESL at Universidad Veracruzana
Ana Guadalupe Torres Hernández, Universidad Veracruzana (Mexico)
Jaqueline Herrera Villa, Universidad Veracruzana (Mexico)
Abstract
The University of Veracruz in Mexico has offered different modalities for English learning acquisition such as in-person, autonomous, and on-line through the six Language Centers (Poza Rica, Xalapa, Veracruz, Córdoba, Orizaba, and Coatzacoalcos) located in the different regions of the state. Due to the University’s geographical situation and students' own economy, it has been difficult for them to attend the in-person modality sessions, which are the most requested. For this reason, the necessity of adopting a blended modality emerged in order to offer one more option for students to take their mandatory language subjects: English 1 and English 2.
This paper presents the experiences lived by a professor who has piloted the blended modality for English 1 and English 2 at the Poza Rica Language Center and describes the advantages and disadvantages that were found during the process.
Findings suggest this modality was better welcomed by English 1 students and a regular to good welcome by the professor in charge of the piloting.
Keywords: Blended learning, ESL, Innovation, Students