Beginning Spanish, Level 1

Introductory Spanish: The beginning of a two year sequence designed to introduce students to the Spanish language, its vocabulary and grammar, by developing the five basic skills: reading, writing, speaking, listening and cultural awareness. During the first three semesters class will be conducted online using the Nexos/iLrn curriculum (Heinle/Cengage Learning). During the fourth semester in the second year other resources will be used for the further development of students' reading and writing skills. Nexos/iLrn provides students with a dynamic audio- and video-enhanced learning environment that includes an audio-enhanced eBook with integrated activities, companion videos, an interactive voiceboard, an online workbook and lab manual with audio, interactive enrichment activities, and various diagnostic activities. Because iLrn includes an online version of both the Nexos textbook and the Student Activities Manual it will not be necessary to purchase separate print texts. (Online activities can be printed out as desired.) However, students are encouraged to purchase a new or second-hand copy of the Nexos textbook for ease of use and reference. In any event, the one-time purchase of Nexos/iLrn will buy you three semesters (18 months) of access to Nexos, which will provide enough time to complete the Nexos curriculum. The iLrn environment also includes the use of Wimba which allows students to develop and practice conversational skills in real time during or between classes. Class will be conducted using iLrn, Wimba, WizIQ and the Scholars Moodle in tandem with each other. The only additional hardware/software required for this class will be a headphone set including a microphone. Online class time will be devoted to explanations of and practice with grammar, and practicing speaking and listening skills, both directly between the teacher and students, as well as among students themselves. In order to facilitate speaking exercises among students during class, time will be regularly alotted for students to use Wimba for specified and limited times, after which they will be expected to return to the full class session. Parents should expect to monitor these times to assure the speaking exercises are taking place. Most reading and writing activities, including vocabulary memorization and grammar exercises, will be conducted outside of class during the students' homework time, often facilitated with the use of the eSAM (electronic Student Activities Manual) located at iLrn. Hardware requirements: Headphones with an attaced microphone.

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this course; students are assumed to have no prior background of foreign language study.

Recommended background

The stronger a student's understanding of English grammar, the better prepared the student will be to grasp Spanish grammar. However, frequent comparisons will be made to English grammar throughout the course, and students often find that their understanding of English grammar will improve through the study of a foreign language.

Textbooks and Materials

This item is required:

¡Hola, amigos! Worktext Volume 1 [Edition or Version: 7], Authors: Ana C. Jarvis, Raquel Lebredo; Francesco Mena-Ayllón

ISBN: 0495907146

Best sources: Scholars Online Bookstore

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