Handout for Online Presentation

 

This Handout will provide you with the background documentation you will need in preparation for the online presentation.
 
Topic: Effective Techniques for delivering Spanish at a distance.

Summary

Overview of Distance Education

The field of Distance Education has undergone dramatic change worldwide over the past few years. Willis (1993) describes distance education as "the organizational framework and process of providing education at a distance".

In its simplest form, distance education occurs when two things separate a teacher and his or her student(s): distance and technology (e.g. video) which is used to bridge the gap between the two parties.
 

Effective Distance Education Programs

In order for a distance education program to be effective, careful planning on the part of the instructor is key. In determining the strategic approach, the instructor has to take into account factors such as the needs of the students and the course requirements. Once these areas are completely understood, then appropriate technology may be selected.
 

Appropriate Teaching Tools and Technology

There are many tools which are available to the distance educator. Some of these tools are the Internet and Audio Conferencing. The instructor needs to examine the available options to arrive at the most suitable for his or her purposes.

  • Print - It can be used to provide the basic content material for the students as well as the course syllabus.
  • Audio Conferencing - This provides an excellent opportunity for real time interaction (voice). It is also a good cost effective way to include for example expert resource persons in a particular field.
  • Audio - Students listening to an audiocassette are able to do the following:
 
  • Study the material at any time they wish.
 
  • Stop and start the sound at any time which may be convenient.
 
  • Skip any material which they may deem unnecessary.
  • Internet - A computer and Internet access by way of an Internet Service Provider (ISP) is necessary. Students are able to download at any time which may be convenient to them, the materials necessary for the course. They also have easy access to other relevant material located anywhere in the world if it is placed on the Internet.

Communicative Language Teaching

Communicative Language Teaching stresses a functional approach to language teaching and learning, the development of the four skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) and cultural awareness. These elements are integral in achieving proficiency. Students learn Spanish for example by using contexts or situations likely to be encountered in the target culture. With this approach, students are not taught a strict traditional grammar translation approach e.g.

  • The Present Tense
  • Possessive Adjectives etc.
 
They are taught for example: At the airport
  Going shopping etc.

These topics allow the students to learn useful expressions in everyday contexts and at the same time incorporate the grammar shown above.

In planning instruction, it is recommended by experts in the field such as Omaggio Hadley (1993) and Rivers (1981) that the teacher:

  • uses the target language as far as possible in instruction.
  • provides opportunities for the students to practice using the language in situations which they are likely to find in the target culture.
  • promote cultural understanding so that the students develop sensitivity to people of other cultures.

Foreign Languages and Distance Education

The Spanish teacher for example has to examine the principles governing foreign language teaching as well as those which affect distance teaching and learning. He or she must design a program which effectively incorporates all these elements to deliver quality instruction to the students.

Unit Plan

This is a brief listing of the major topics covered in the Unit Plan.  

Topics:
 
   
Some Specific Technologies:
 
 
Cultural Links: Chilito’s Mexican Restaurant

 

Sample Lesson Plan: For discussion during the 10-minute lesson.
Topic: Introductions.
Assessment: Coursework Essay: "Foreign Languages and Distance Education - Challenges and Opportunities".
Lesson via Audio Conferencing: Duration: 10 minutes

Procedure

Overall Objectives

To demonstrate how a Spanish lesson can be effectively delivered at a distance.
 

Pre-Class Activities

Please read the information on the Topics presented on this web site.
Take special note of these two areas:
  • Some Specific Technologies
 
  • Sample Lesson Plan.

Class Activities

The presenter will briefly discuss the topics outlined in the Unit Plan. Participants will then be asked some questions.

The participants will be instructed to turn their attention to the sample lesson plan where after a brief introductory statement they will be asked questions.

As a homework assignment, participants will be asked to do a critique of an article written by Barry Willis entitled "Distance Education and the World Wide Web" which can be located at http://www.uidaho.edu/evo/dist12.html.  

Post-Class Activities: Evaluation Exercise

The aim of this exercise is to determine whether the aims and objectives of the lesson have been met. The presenter will also gain knowledge as to whether the lesson was delivered clearly and the material has been understood.
 

Administrative Feedback

  • Can you now explain the why we would use the web for distance learning? (e.g. age of globalization, creation of exciting opportunities to learn in a user-friendly environment)
  • What strategies could be implemented for learning at a distance? (e.g. means of interaction with the institution and other students)
  • In distance education, what advantages do computers offer? (e.g. multimedia tool)
  • How do we address the need for instructional development? (e.g. framework for adapting instruction and content requirements to the identified needs of the students)

Personal Feedback

  • Was the supplementary reading material (including the Handout) useful?
  • Since the lesson was given at a distance, did you feel that you were an active participant in the process?
  • Was the actual (10-minute) lesson delivered in a clear and effective manner?

Assessment

Presentation of written Homework Assignment.
 

References:

Omaggio Hadley, Alice (1993). Teaching Language in Context. Boston: Heinle and Heinle Publishers.

Rivers, Wilga (1981). Teaching Foreign Language Skills. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

Willis, Barry (1993). Distance Education: A Practical Guide. New Jersey: Educational Technology Publications, Inc.
 
 

For suggestions and comments, e-mail me at nsalmon@nova.edu.
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