The Pathways series consists of four texts from high beginner to an advanced level. The textbooks are organized into 10 themed units, each consisting of two vocabulary, two listening, two pronunciation, and two grammar/language function sections. The online component, powered by MyELT software, follows the same model, providing one practice activity for each activity in the book, thus covering a lot of ground. Each unit also contains a video viewing section consisting of National Geographic Digital Media videos appropriate for ELLs.

The Pathways subsections reflect the books, but they are not identical. The vocabulary sections provide new sentences for vocabulary practice, generally in fill-in-the-blank or multiple-choice formats. The listening sections offer targeted practice utilizing the same listening passages used with the textbook; however, they tend to be shorter than the textbook listening activities, and more targeted. The grammar sections provide new contexts to use the grammar/language function sections from the book, in a fill-in-the-blank, or pull-down menu format. The formats generally vary from unit to unit.

The vocabulary, listening, and grammar/language function sections of the online component are automatically graded. They lend themselves to both in- and out-of-the-classroom activities. They work in class (on an overhead projector) as an all class review for a test, a targeted in-class listening activity, or extra collaborative practice for students. They could also be used for short games or competitive activities. They work out of class as simple practice, or they can be used in a computer lab as short quizzes. The software makes this possible because it allows the instructor to determine various levels of difficulty by changing the number of “takes” allowed for an activity, as well as whether or not students may view their errors and the correct answers.

The pronunciation and speaking sections of the online component can provide interactive practice, having students listen to then complete sections of a conversation, or listen and repeat sentences. These sections are really excellent out-of-class practice, especially for less than outgoing students. Teachers can also listen to the student’s pronunciation and speaking practice, grade it, and provide spoken feedback on the site. This is optimal for individualized instruction and private, personal feedback.

Pathways online is an excellent tool for supplementing both in and out of the classroom. It could be improved by the addition of new listening material exclusive to the website, perhaps with longer passages. Another improvement might be to add slightly more variety to the types of tasks required, including more integration. For example, pronunciation and vocabulary could have activities that coincide, requiring students to answer vocabulary questions by speaking. Overall, though, the online component of this series admirably supports the textbook.

One other aspect of any online textbook component which should be discussed is the ease of use. The MyELT website has recently undergone an update to its graphic interface, and has become extremely easy to navigate. It is not difficult to set up classes, nor for students to register. Problems are generally cleared up by tech support quickly as well, though they are minimal. For those who require extra support with tech, there are video tutorials on how to set up a grade book, create and view assignments, grade assignments, and so on.

The software also offers reporting abilities. The instructor can use the report function to determine how long a student spent on any one activity or on all the activities in a given unit. This ability to track “seat time” can be very informative for instruction. Of course, reports can also determine assignment statistics and scores, by assignment or by student, and other data. They can be exported to pdf files as well.

Often, online textbook components can be underutilized by IEP instructors. While they cannot replace instructors, they do offer the repetition and practice students usually need in order to acquire vocabulary and other language skills, particularly in the short amount of time they often have to study English in higher education settings. The Heinle-Cengage Pathways: Listening, Speaking, and Critical Thinking series has created a practice tool that is both useful for students and can help instructors by informing their instruction through short, in- or out-of-the-classroom practice activities which can double as formative or summative assessments.

Ada Chrisman has taught in the Virginia Tech Language & Culture Institute Intensive English Program for approximately 5 years. Before that, she taught high school Spanish, ESL at all levels of elementary and secondary school, as well as adults. She holds a Master’s of Curriculum and Instruction in TESOL from Virginia Tech. Her areas of interest include teaching pronunciation as well as advanced writing for ELLs. She is also vice president of the Virginia TESOL chapter (VATESOL). Her most recent project is a pilot class teaching grammar and academic writing as a singular class.