Moodle-based Environment For College English Learning

The present study is an effort to explore the theoretical foundation and practical guidelines for designing a web-based English learning environment. Through reviewing previous studies on the learning environment, the author poses that the web-based learning environment can be understood in three dimensions: cognitive dimension, psychological dimension and system dimension. Meanwhile, by reviewing relevant theories (constructivism, SLA theories and humanistic psychology), the author points out some requirements a web-based learning environment should meet. Moodle is selected to create an online environment for the powerful functions of its activity-modules. Based on the discussion above, this study proposes a frame of the Moodle-based learning environment and designs a Moodle course accordingly.An experiment was conducted to evaluate the designing frame and find out possible problems in MBLE application. Learners'attitude towards the three dimensions of environment, their opinions on Moodle-based learning and their learning behavior were investigated by a questionnaire. Learners'opinions on the advantages of MBLE and their suggestions on the improvement of MBLE were surveyed by an interview. Learners'answers to the questionnaire and the interview reflect learners'positive attitude towards MBLE. MBLE provides learners with abundant learning materials and activities which are useful to improve their English learning. They could discuss with other learners to find the best way to solve a learning problem. Meanwhile, they began to do inquiry learning and establish the habit of thinking reflectively in the learning process. Suggestions are provided to improve the MBLE design.The experiences generalized from the process of the Moodle-based English learning environment design and implementation are supposed to provide some reference for further researches on web-based learning environment design.