Blended Language Courses
The French and English second language courses (FLS and ESL) of the Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute (OLBI) are offered in a traditional format and are also offered using a blended learning modality.
What is a blended learning second language course?
A blended learning language course is comprised of two parts: traditional classroom part given in person, face to face and a part given on-line learning.
How much of the blended learning second language course is given in the classroom? How much online?
The percentage of time spent in class and spent online may vary from one course to another; it depends on the individual professor’s course plan. In general, 60% of the course time is in the classroom and 40% is on-line.
How are blended learning courses identified in the timetable and registration system?
The blended learning courses are identified with a section code of ‘H’ which appears beside the course code.
Which second language courses are offered this year in a blended learning modality?
Click here – link to the timetable page.
How does a blended learning second language course work?
- The initial classes take place in the classroom with the professor and consist of an introduction to the course as well as a detailed explanation of the steps to follow during the on-line sessions.
- The on-line classes are completed through the Blackboard Learn portal and other internet resources. These classes are often in real time (synchronous) but sometimes might be a task to be completed by a specific date (asynchronous).
- A dedicated language lab may be used for the online portion of the course.
What activities do students in a blended learning course?
Here are some examples of the on-line activities.
- Interactive writing tasks using Google Docs;
- Webinars;
- Collaborative exercises followed by immediate feedback;
- Flip classes;
- Interactive reading and dictation;
- Oral production with Podcasts;
- Reading and construction/interpretation of blogs;
- Oral and written interaction with Francophones throughout the world…
What level of technical knowledge is required to register for a blended learning course?
- Placement in these courses is the same as with all ESL and FLS courses; students need to follow the placement procedures as usual.
- No experience with online learning is required. The professor will explain how the tools work during the first few classroom sessions.
- The software and necessary applications are free and available on-line. However, regular access to a computer and the internet are necessary. Computers are available free of charge at various locations on campus. For more information contact the Julien-Couture Resource Centre at 70 Laurier Ave. East, room 130.