Classes by Videoconference
Each course typically includes six 90-minute videoconferencing-based class sessions, scheduled twice a week for three consecutive weeks. You’ll use videoconferencing software (Zoom) on your computer to connect to the class, where you’ll see live video of the instructor and the other students. In these sessions, you’ll listen, repeat, ask and answer questions, and practice dialogues with other students.
Regular Practice with Course Materials
In between the live sessions, you’ll review materials from each session and preview materials for the next session.
Interactive Materials
The interactive materials (on VoiceThread.com) provide opportunities for listening and speaking practice, allowing you to view new and recent material, to hear recorded models of challenging pronunciation and dialogues, to record yourself practicing pronunciation and composing dialogues, and to listen back to yourself, as well as to the responses of your classmates and instructor. Typically, there are three interactive VoiceThreads (Preview, Lesson Slides, and Review & Practice) for each of the class sessions. Access to the interactive course materials will begin a few days prior to the first class session (for you to begin previewing and practicing with the “Day 1” materials) and will end a few days after the last class session.
Reference Materials
We’ll also provide access to printable PDFs that include cultural notes, vocabulary, grammar summaries, and additional course materials to serve as preparation for your class sessions, reference during sessions, and review between sessions.
Technology Requirements
Participating in the course requires:
- Access to a computer equipped with a built-in video-camera (or plug-in web-cam) for connecting to the live class sessions through videoconferencing
- Zoom software for videoconferencing (free)
- An account on VoiceThread.com for accessing the interactive course materials
Please follow the detailed setup instructions before the first class session.
Time, Space, & Dedication
In addition to the technology requirements, you’ll need a quiet space from which to connect to the live sessions, and, of course, time and dedication in between sessions for study and practice.