Virtual Instruction of Persian to Non-Persian Speakers:Evaluation of Two Websites

In addition to suffisticated instructional instruments and resources, the advent of networks such as the internet has caused a revolution in instructional methods and has made it possible to deliver virtual instruction to a wider range of learners across the globe. Based on principles of web-based learning, the present study aimed to explore vitrual instruction of Persian to non-Persian learners through two websites: the Persian Language And Literature Promotion Council (inside Iran) and Virtual Persian (outside Iran). The strengths and weaknesses of these two websites were examined with the aid of a checklist. The ten criteria of the checklist included transparency of the icons, lesson management and feedback mechanism, accessibility, applicability and synchrony, assessment strategies, consolidation of content in memory, lesson plan and the structure of lesson content and display, interaction and cooperation, appearance, and cultural apprpriateness. For each website, ten participants who were familiar with virtual learning were asked to explore the website’s instructional contents and affordances and answer the 36 questions of the checklist. Based on the answers, in the conclusion section strenghths and weaknesses of the websites are discussed and some suggestions are offered for the improvement of virtual instruction of Persian language.