Teaching Written Translation Online: Theoretical Model, Software Development, Interim Results

Abstract

Teaching translation online is based on the following principles: compliance with norms and rules of social interaction in the virtual environment; recognition of the fact that the tutor is an expert in the field of theory and practice of translation and a mediator between the student and the virtual environment; availability of a communication channel for regular interpersonal contact between the tutor and the student for expert consultation. The E-learning Centre at Moscow State Linguistic University was set up in 2016 with the aim of developing foreign language online programs and delivering related online courses, part of which are courses in written translation that have proved their effectiveness mostly due to the proper theoretical and methodological basis. The English-Russian translation course discussed in this paper aims to develop translation competence through practicing translation of original articles from BBC websites. After the student accomplishes the translation of one text, he meets the tutor at a video conference to discuss the mistakes and to contemplate the difficulties of the next text. The ability to explain the reasons of mistakes, to minimize the chance of their occurrence in future is the tutor’s top priority that is based on his/her professional competence.