Distance English language teaching: Through the lens of internationalization at a distance

This chapter provides an overview of distance English language teaching (ELT) through the lens of internationalization of education. Distance ELT has received much attention in research and practice as a transversal theme of globalization and its impact on ELT and technology advancements. Nonetheless, a deficit view of distance ELT has been prevalent, often treating it as a compromised alternative with missed opportunities for social and cross-cultural interaction and emotional engagement. To counter the enduring view of distance ELT as being less than traditional face-to-face ELT, the chapter draws on the framework of internationalization of education. In particular, internationalization at a distance is put forth as a way to conceptualize distance ELT as a complementary category of internationalization abroad and internationalization at home. To this end, the chapter is organized as follows. First, it discusses internationalization of education as a framework, laying out different models of internationalization, including internationalization at home, internationalization abroad, and internationalization at a distance. Then, the deficit perspective on distance ELT is debunked and recommendations for future practice and research in relation to distance ELT are discussed.