How to Integrate Email for Distance Learning in a Reading and Writing Class

Biographical Notes

Carolin Fuchs received her MATESOL and a Certificate in TFL German from the Monterey Institute of International Studies, where she teaches German and English for Academic and Specific Purposes, e.g. business English and business German.

She is a Research Assistant for the Max-Kade Language and Technology Center and currently pursuing a CALL Certificate. Her expertise is in developing on-line and distance learning curricula for both English and German. Her current project involves designing an accredited generic distance learning course for all major languages offered at the Monterey Institute in conjunction with the students’ major field of study.

Abstract

I would like to present my experience developing and teaching a distance language learning course at the Monterey Institute, in which I successfully integrated e-mail to enhance German reading and writing skills. The focus of the course was to provide students with innumerable opportunities for meaningful interaction with native speakers through writing for an audience, and to foster semester-long Coors-cultural stimulus between students and faculty. I would like to present my approach and findings with visual aids and hands-on participation from the audience through a quick demonstration of the wiring and feedback process I used, and students’ writing samples.

Proposed Target Language: English

Method of Presentation/Planned Activity:
Introduction with overhead transparencies and handouts; participatory activity as demonstration of methods used in the course, students writing samples and feedback review.

Anticipated Benefits to Participants:
Participants will learn about challenges and factors to be considered for developing and teaching a pedagogically sound distance learning course using email, possible pitfalls, and what works.