Scheme is making virtual learning a reality (From Worcester News)

Scheme is making virtual learning a reality

2:33pm Tuesday 1st June 2010 in

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A PIONEERING series of language courses using virtual classrooms mean students in Worcester can learn from the comfort of their own homes.

The short courses offered by the University of Worcester are aimed at anyone interested in learning a foreign language but who may have trouble finding or attending a traditional faceto- face class.

The courses are run via a weblink through which the student can see, talk and text chat the tutor and other class members directly and carry out exercises under the tutor’s guidance, all from a location of their choice.

Judy Barker, from the university’s language centre, said: “It is becoming increasingly difficult for people who want to learn a foreign language to find a course locally.

“Often courses are cancelled because there are not enough participants to make them viable to run or, in the case of less widely taught languages, there may be no classes within a reasonable travelling distance.

“In collaboration with a number of other higher education and further education institutions, we piloted a beginner Arabic and advanced French course, which were both very well received.

“In the virtual classroom students had audiovisual contact with each other and the tutor and were also able to communicate via instantly visible text messages. The tutor used an interactive whiteboard to display texts, video clips and other lesson materials, very much as if the lesson took place face to face.

“During and outside lesson times, participants used a course book with CDs and online material providing structured support.

“Because every online session was archived, they could also catch up if they had missed a lesson or replay any part of the lesson to revise.”

Anyone interested in signing up can get more details online at worc.ac.uk/languagesonline.

A course in intermediate French will start on Wednesday, June 9, and will run for seven weeks.

The classes will take place on a Wednesday evening from 7pm to 8.15pm in a ‘virtual classroom’. No special software is required.

The participant just needs access to a computer with an internet connection and a headset with microphone.

A webcam is recommended but not essential. Technical support will be available throughout the course.

Native French speaker Anne-Marie Mead will teach the sessions and the course fee is £72.