Current situation and future prospects in distance English teaching

Abstract

Online environments are increasingly relevant in Education, particularly in the teaching of English, as they foster internationalization, access to improved academic and employment opportunities, and intercultural connection. This article presents testimonies from coordinators and faculty members of the Redde Bachilleratos UNiversitarios Públicos a Distancia (RED), gathered through structured interviews, in order to analyze successful strategies for teaching English online. The interviewees agree that English is fundamental to students’ academic, professional, and social development, as it facilitates access to scientific and technological knowledge, academic mobility, and labor market competitiveness. They emphasize the importance of strengthening the four communicative skills through the use of online platforms, digital learning environments, MOOCs, interactive resources, gamification, digital assessment tools, and English clubs. They also underscore the need for ongoing faculty development and for the ethical and pedagogical use of artificial intelligence. Finally, the article highlights the importance of comprehensive, humanistic, and inclusive education that recognizes student diversity and promotes equity, creativity, and empathy in language learning.