This week we had to reflect on student activities. Fortunately, for language courses we have a great number of resources that we can provide to our students.
The downside of online language courses is the limited communicative experiences students could have. The challenge for me is to find different activities to promote and encourage oral and written practice.
These are some potential activities:
1. Meet-ups with groups or with a partner to complete an oral activity or activities. In our reading, it mentions that working with large groups is not recommended. I also agree that large groups do not work. The students will keep a log to register their time and describe what they accomplished. The meet-ups can be via Skype, FaceTime, or other means arranged by the students.
2. An oral presentation. This activity will allow students to talk about themselves and by the same token learn about their fellow classmates.
3. Creating Discussion Boards, Journals or Blogs. I intent to create a Discussion Board for students to comment about their personal tips on studying, progress, struggles, etc.
4. Having a guest speaker sounds great. I can introduce a former student or Hispanic student and allow questions and answers.
I am sure that with some experience that the number of activities will grow and will become more efficient. If you have any ideas or activities that definitely work, please pass them along.