The Challenge
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Women have limited options to practice English conversation without fear of harassment and unwanted attention.
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Elementary English teachers worldwide regularly use basic English but have few opportunities to practice advanced-level English.
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Participants live in multiple time zones which makes synchronous learning difficult.
The Solution
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A virtual instructor-led training program with on-demand recording
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Community space and weekly meet-ups to practice new skills
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Personalized video feedback for learners
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A mobile-friendly app with integration for community and weekly events
What it Looks Like
About the Project
In 2020, amidst the global upheaval and the shift to remote living, the need for accessible online education became critical. Recognizing this, I embarked on a mission to bridge the gap in English language learning, particularly for those whose opportunities were abruptly curtailed.
My journey began with a series of interviews with English learners and educators worldwide, unearthing a distinct market gap: a strong demand among women for a learning environment that was not only safe and supportive but also enriched with content relevant to gender and cultural nuances in language.
This insight propelled the creation of an online English program designed to empower women. It aimed to foster personal connections through language, emphasizing the ability to confidently articulate opinions and ideas on complex topics. The program was tailored for women with advanced English who teach English in their respective countries. From my research, I discovered these women in particular lacked a community to practice their advanced language skills.
My approach was grounded in an iterative design process, ensuring that the learning experience was both engaging and effective, offering new skills, practical application, and personalized feedback.
The culmination of this effort was a monthly membership program that combined virtual instructor-led training—tailored specifically to this audience—with the innovative use of VideoAsk for asynchronous, personalized interactions. This allowed participants to delve deeper into language learning, posing questions, and receiving feedback tailored to their unique needs. Complementing this, a dedicated mobile app facilitated further asynchronous engagement, enabling participants to connect, share, and learn from one another’s experiences.
This project exemplifies the power of targeted, empathetic instructional design in creating meaningful educational experiences.