Online English Reading Instruction in the ESL Classroom Based on Constructivism

With the development of Internet technology, teachers are constantly seeking innovative methods to match the potential of enhanced technology. Although many studies have been conducted before on this subject, they are not enough in this field. The purpose of this article is to explore innovative designs to change traditional modes of teaching and examine the impact of online English instruction of reading, based on constructivism. The research study was carried out at the Number 9 middle school of Bengbu, an underdeveloped area of China. In the study, online methods were compared with traditional textbook literature methods to improve the reading proficiency of students. A questionnaire survey was designed specifically for this study and it was administered to the students at the end of a semester, and the data was analyzed. The outcome of this study indicated that students considered online method as effective and that they gained more knowledge. This method helped them in improving their reading skills, aroused student interest and motivation, and exam performance of the students has been improved significantly, and thus, it created a positive learning situation.