LRDG FAQ
1. What is "blended" language training?
2. Do your products function with Macintosh?
3. How much time does it take to complete a module?
4. How many modules are available?
5. Is it possible to have tutoring sessions in the evening or on the weekend?
6. Do you offer products for learning languages other than English and French?
7. What formal qualifications do your teachers hold?
8. Will I be able to choose my own tutoring session times?
9. Will I be able to determine the duration of my sessions?
10. Do the modules allow me to study pronunciation?
11. If I've already studied English or French, how will I know at what level/module I'm at?
12. Where can I find out more about Active Student Management and blended learning?
13. What is the necessary minimal configuration?
14. Are grammar-pronunciation-listening exercises provided? 1. What is "blended" language training? A blended language training method incorporates several types of teaching methods. For example, LRDG uses both self-study and tutoring, amongst others, to achieve our goals. The LRDG methodology consists of students practicing the target language on their own during their self study periods using the module (CD-ROM). This self-study is then combined (blended)with opportunities to practice what they've learned in sessions guided by a teacher (the LRDG tutor). The LRDG tutor also has the role of guiding the student throughout the entire learning process. For example, the tutor will check that the module content has been properly assimilated by the student, and will help to highlight areas where further study is necessary. The tutor will also give students advice on how to ramp-up their language acquisition rates and will provide them with insight into how to resolve any difficulties they may be having. Please see Blended Learning methodology: What the student wants, Where & When he wants it! 2. Do your products function with Macintosh? No. For the time being, the LRDG modules function only on a Windows operating system. 3. How much time does it take to complete a module? From four to six weeks for earlier modules and six to twelve weeks for later modules, at an average rate of five hours per week. 4. How many modules are available? The complete series for each language is comprised of 15 modules.
Ten modules (11 CD-ROMs) are presently available for French language study, and nine modules (11 CD-ROMs) for English language study. Please see the Products section, English Training
French Training 5. Is it possible to have tutoring sessions in the evening or on the weekend? Yes, we can provide telephone support on evenings and weekends. 6. Do you offer products for learning languages other than English and French? At the present time, we offer English and French language instruction only. However, offering instruction in other languages is foreseen. 7. What formal qualifications do your teachers hold? All LRDG teachers are recruited for their university education in teaching foreign languages. LRDG requires teachers to have a university education in the following domains: -French and/or English as a Foreign Language Education
-French and/or English as a Second Language Education LRDG also pays close attention to the amount of experience teachers have, as well as to their interest in New Educational Technology. Please see the Pedagogy section 8. Will I be able to choose my own tutoring session times? Yes. When you are evaluated, the LRDG team will assign you a tutor whose availability coincides with your personal agenda. 9. Will I be able to determine the duration of my sessions? Yes. The LRDG method's flexibility allows you to progress at your own pace, depending on your availability and other obligations. You and your tutor will decide together on the duration of each session. Please keep in mind however that two one-hour sessions per week are recommended. 10. Do the modules allow me to study pronunciation? Yes. Proper pronunciation instruction is one of LRDG's priorities. In each module, you will find a complete guide to assist you with practicing pronunciation in the target language. The modules contain more than a hundred interactive pages devoted to pronunciation. Each example given in the Pronunciation section is linked to an audio file, allowing you to hear the example and to repeat it, thus helping you achieve optimal pronunciation in the target language. You will also have access to the scenes from the video, where you will easily find examples of elements discussed in the Pronunciation section. Finally, your teacher will assist you in perfecting this particular aspect of language learning during your tutoring sessions. Please see the Demo section. 11. If I've already studied English or French, how will I know at what level/module I'm at? You're invited to take our placement test, found on our home page. 12. Where can I find out more about Active Student Management and blended learning? Please consult the Pedagogy section of this site to find out more about Active Student Management and blended learning. If the information given does not answer your question, your are invited to contact us. 13. What is the necessary minimal configuration? CPU/UCT: Pentium III 500 Mhz
Memory: 32 Mo (64 recommended)
HD/DD: 700 Mo free space required
Video resolution: 800 x 600
Audio: speakers or headphones required
CD-ROM / DOC: 4x
OS: Windows© 2000 XP, Windows© NT or later 14. Are grammar-pronunciation-listening exercises provided? Yes. In each module you'll find complete, interactive exercises that will assist you in acquiring elements of grammar and spelling, as well as pronunciation. You will also find videos that allow you to familiarize yourself with the target language. You will be able to work on all aspects of learning a language, and practice the four linguistic skills involved in language learning/acquisition: - Oral Competence
- Written Competence
- Oral Comprehension Competence
- Written Comprehension Competence Please see the Demo. |
