A Journey Through Online
Language Learning
Course Type > Specific Skills
Specific-skills language courses focus on the development of one or more of the basis language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing at any level. They may also teach pronunciation, vocabulary and grammar.
Specific language courses can be self-access, as in the case of Polish Listening and Speaking and Ukrainian Reading, or the tutor-supported Business Dutch course. They can be offered as ‘stand-alone' units or as part of blended learning.
In the case of self-access courses, the activities offered are self-correcting (example of a self-correcting speaking exercise from Polish Listening and Speaking). An adequate amount of practice is essential, particularly in speaking exercises. Traditionally these are best covered in class, but in reality, time constraints usually do not allow enough practice. Language labs have been used to bridge the gap, and nowadays, with the advances of new technology, it is possible to record and practise conversation online (e.g. Sanako Media Assistant Lite).
Things to consider
- What is the aim of the course? Is it to cover skills that cannot be covered in class, extension of a taught course, consolidation, or remedial work?
- What is the type of the course? Self-access or tutor-supported? If self-access, is the student well supported through the types and number of activities? If tutor-supported, how much support can you/are willing to offer?
- What are the learning objectives and outcomes?
- What technological application(s) will enable you to best achieve your objective? Do you have the know-how, or will you have adequate technical support?
Examples:
- Polish Listening and Speaking
- Ukrainian Reading
- Reading Skills in Business Dutch
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