iPass
iPass, which started in February 2008 as an online provider of IELTS (International English Language Testing System) exam practice, has recently formed an association with Vital English and added 8 new online language courses to its website:
➢ Academic IELTS
➢ Academic Vocabulary
➢ General Training IELTS
➢ BULATS (Business Language Testing System)
➢ General English (6 levels)
➢ English for IT
➢ English for Health
➢ English for Hospitality
Vital English is a world leader in designing and distributing English Language teaching and learning solutions. They have one of the largest product ranges of any online ELT provider in the market.
“"The Vital English language packages are designed and created in harmony with existing principles of instructed language learning. These materials take a fresh approach to curriculum design by drawing on the idea of task-supported teaching. They do not merely provide more of the same practice found in existing text book materials but they aim to extend the learning experience in ways which challenge and motivate learners and contribute to the development of their communicative skills."
Professor Rod Ellis 2006 – Professor, University of Auckland and University of Anaheim
In conjunction with Vital English, iPass aims to offer to its 7000 strong membership a much wider range of English language products covering a wider spectrum of professions and academic qualifications.
"The Vital English learning resources are based on the best recent research in language learning. Students receive excellent resources for language competence."
Richard Lawrence, Wintec, New Zealand
Until now, iPass has been solely focused on providing exam practice material for the Academic IELTS test, which is aimed at students who already have an intermediate or above level of English. By increasing their product range to include 6 levels of General English courses they hope to provide flexible and affordable learning opportunities for students of all levels.
"It is a good programme for students with no or little English. It is helpful in terms of speaking and grammar practice because you can hear what you have recorded and it gives you a chance to practice several times. I will recommend this programme to other students."
Prashila Narayan
iPass still retains IELTS as the main focus of its objectives and they plan to continue expanding the content of their tutored IELTS preparation course which offers a unique and successful blend of self-study practice material and professional input from an online tutor.
The role of the online tutor is not only to give feedback on students’ speaking and writing skills but also to provide information and advice on all aspects of the IELTS exam.
“Since launching the tutored course last October we have played a part in helping many students from a variety of backgrounds to achieve success in the IELTS exam. Due to the personal nature of the course we’re able to really get to know the students, and their reasons for taking IELTS. Therefore when they get the results they need it is a very rewarding experience.”
Jenny Bedwell, iPass Tutor
The course has been well received by students too, some of whom have taken advantage of the new iPass IELTS Course Extra which provides an additional 3-month subscription to iPass including extra tutorial support.
“You went above and beyond my expectations!
Thanks to you, I got an overall score of 8.0!!”
Haruko, Japan
With the launch of two more IELTS-related courses, offering 800 hours of e-learning content apiece, iPass hopes to provide its members with an unrivalled resource of top quality online self-study practice material.
“We’re really excited to be working with Vital English as we not only want to offer any student studying for IELTS the chance to get a better score, but we also want to give anybody learning English anywhere in the world the opportunity to practice and improve their language skills whatever their level – from beginner to advanced.
Our aim is to provide high quality and affordable products, and we are always looking to develop new ideas and improve what we offer - especially to those who prefer to study online at their own pace, in there own time. With the launch of these new online courses iPass is now offering a complete range of unique courses suitable for any student who wants to study English online with confidence.’
Nigel Haines, iPass Tutor and co-founder
For more information about the iPass IELTS preparation course, please go to
http://www.ipass.uk.net/
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
