PRESS RELEASES: 2008

Workplace English Campaign launches online self-learning platform

In view of the growing popularity of online learning, the Workplace English Campaign (WEC), steered by the Standing Committee on Language Education and Research (SCOLAR), has launched an online self-learning platform ( http://www.english.gov.hk/platform/ ) and a new video programme to promote English learning.

The platform provides on one website direct links to various self-learning materials produced by the WEC and SCOLAR over the years.

These materials include the TV programme "Workplace English", abstracts of the TV programme "English Festival: One-minute English" and a booklet titled "English Everywhere". Newly added to the list is a video programme produced by RTHK for its radio programme "English Everywhere – Chatterbox".

Commissioned by the WEC, the 26-episode video programme is adapted from the radio programme to feature the use of English in daily life and work. The video of each episode will be uploaded onto the Internet on every Saturday after being broadcast on radio. To encourage self-learning, a teaching booklet is also available at the Office of WEC at Room 1702 Skyline Tower , 39 Wang Kwong Road , Kowloon Bay.

The radio programme "English Everywhere – Chatterbox" is now broadcast on RTHK Channels 2 and 5 every Saturday between 9:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. and is also available on the WEC online self-learning platform.

The WEC was launched by the Government in 2000 to heighten public awareness of the importance of having a good command of English in a workplace environment and to improve the knowledge of English among the working population in Hong Kong .

Established in 1996, SCOLAR advises the Government on language education issues and on the use of the Language Fund.

Ends/Thursday, May 15, 2008