Pathways to Bilingualism: E-Learning and the Teaching of Modern Foreign Languages

Guofang Li, Project Director

Xiaopeng Ni, Research Associate

Wenxia Wang and Ya Mo, Research Assistants

In this three-year research program, we aim to establish an evidence-based research to assess the effectiveness of a blended nature of the e-learning pedagogy in teaching modern foreign languages in early bilingual education. This e-learning pedagogy will complement the knowledge of the bilingual teacher and create a culturally and linguistically authentic language learning environment. This aspect of e-learning is especially important for students living in contexts that lack authentic materials and contact with the target language and culture. The study will use a mixed methods design that consists of quantitative and qualitative study of the effects of E-learning Across the Curriculum (EATC) on bilingual Chinese/English education in grades 3-5 classrooms in Shanghai, China. The project is currently funded through the US Department of Education.