Hybrid Courses: World Languages

A brief overview

What is a hybrid course?

• Meets in the classroom for at least 50% of the total class time each week

• Uses a courseware program such as WebCT or Blackboard to provide online instruction, communication and collaboration.

Some Advantages

• It’s fun!• Culture can be infused

into nearly every aspect of the course!

• More communication with students on an individual basis.

• More collaboration among students in the class.

Some Disadvantages

• Students need to be disciplined

• Some students struggle with computer issues

• Putting the course together is time-intensive

• The instructor needs to pay daily attention to the course

What can students do online?

• Listening: authentic interviews, presentations (audio and video clips)

• Reading: culturally authentic texts related to chapter themes

• Writing: discussion board, homepage

• Speaking: oral discussion boards (Wimba Voice Tools) http://www.horizonwimba.com/

• on-line grammar activities• textbook companion web-site

activities• teacher-produced grammar,

culture and vocabulary games, activities, quizzes

• PowerPoint presentations (vocabulary)

• virtual tours (360o panoramas, videos, slideshows)

What can students do online?

How do I find the materials I need?• Don’t reinvent the

wheel– find materials that

have already been prepared• Merlot: www.merlot.org• QUIA: www.quia.com • Companion Websites• Grammar sites• Software

How do I find the materials I need?

• Get students involved– Flashcards– PowerPoints– Games

How do I find the materials I need?• Get creative

– Google a cultural topic• Invent chapter-related

activities

– vocabulary– grammar– comprehension– writing

How do I find the materials I need?

• Get creative– Use authoring tools to create

games, quizzes and activities• Study Mate / Respondus

http://www.respondus.com/

• QUIA: www.quia.com

• Hot Potatoes: http://web.uvic.ca/hrd/halfbaked/

• Teachopolis has many helpful links: http://teachopolis.org/