Digital resources for learning languages supplement old-school face-to-face conversations. (UM-Dearborn News)
For a long time, language instruction has been among those subjects that conventional wisdom held was a tough one to put online. But things are changing as Dearborn faculty are exploring the promise of creating hybrid language courses that pair class time with digital learning.
UM-Dearborn instructional designer Alfonso Sintjago is a big believer in digital education, but he’ll be the first to tell you that some courses are better fits for online makeovers. “Speaking is a major part of learning a language, and there are obviously certain advantages to doing that face-to-face,” Sintjago said. French Lecturer Jerilyn Mannion admits she was among those who had some reservations.
But with the help of Sintjago, she decided to take on the challenge of designing a new hybrid version of her French course, which debuts at UM-Dearborn next semester. Once she explored the slate of new learning tools that were available, she started to see how a hybrid course might not just be as effective, but possibly more effective for some students. One additional perk for students: The system is completely free.
