Q1. What is distance learning (TAD)?
A1. Distance learning program (TAD) is an individual one level part-time course ranging from beginners (progress level 1- PL1) to advanced (progress level 6 - PL6) offered by the Canadian Forces Language School (CFLS) Detachment Saint-Jean. Candidates will be able to complete 1 progress level in 19 or 23 weeks maximum, according to the level, and they will be accompanied by experienced teachers working for the DND.
Q2. Who is admissible to distance learning?
A2. Any Anglophone member of the Regular Force or members of the Reserve classes B and C. (Distance Learning is also offered to francophone members wishing to learn English). For more information, contact: CFLS_REGISTRATION-INSCRIPTION_ELFC@FORCES.GC.CA
Q3. What are the eligibility criteria to distance learning?
A3. Candidates must
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Commit to working in the program ALLIES Web a minimum of 5 hours / week for levels 3 and up and a minimum of 7 hours / week for levels 1 and 2;
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Be available once a week for an individual conversation with their teacher. For levels 3 and up, the conversation lasts 90 minutes and 60 minutes for levels 1 and 2;
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Make sure that their computer meets the technical requirements of ALLIES Web as indicated at
here.
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Take a placement test to be administrated over the telephone as follow-up to registration;
- Have a headset with a microphone connected to a computer.
Q4. What is the course schedule?
A4. Candidates have different options to use ALLIES Web: DWAN, GPNET, personal computer (except MAC). They can work at any time and everywhere. They are responsible for their training schedule as long as they meet the minimal requirements of hours per week as well as the normal progression. The synchrone teaching (conversation) with a teacher must be done within the work schedule of the teachers.
Q5. Are there any registration fees?
A5. No.
Q6. Do I need to have special computer skills to take this course?
A6. No. The platform is user friendly. A technician will be available to address areas of difficulty.
Q7. What is the course structure?
A7.
Individual Work
The student will mostly work with ALLIES Web, but also with paper and digital documents sent by the teacher. Individual work also includes study of vocabulary, grammar and communication statements. The teacher is responsible to correct the student’s work, give feedback on the activities done in ALLIES Web and accompany the student during the training.
Personalized Conversation / Verification
Once a week, students are entitled to a 60-minute conversation for PL1 and 2 and to a 90-minute conversation for PL3 and up. No matter which media is being used (Bridgit, Skype, Webex) students will benefit from a visual support enabling dynamic exchanges similar to those in the classroom. Teachers are available to answer questions and to offer pedagogical support as required.
Detailed Course Syllabus
From the beginning of the course, the student has access to a structured syllabus. Teacher and student must refer in order to meet the course schedule.
Q8. Do participants have access to pedagogical material?
A8. Yes. The student will receive selected sections of the CFLS that he /she will print. The teacher can also send reinforcement exercises via digital documents or internet links.
Q9. Is distance learning using the same material as the one used in a classroom?
A9. Yes. ALLIES Web was developed form the CFLS. A student can complete one progress level at distance tutoring and pursue to the next one in classroom or vice versa.
Q10. Do participants receive a certificate or diploma?
A10. Yes. At the end of each progress level, a Performance Check is administered. The 3 skills tested are reading comprehension, written expression and oral proficiency. Tests in reading and writing are given at or near the candidate’s workplace; the test of oral proficiency is given over the phone by a specialist from the CFLS Detachment Saint-Jean Distance Learning Program. The results are sent to the candidate and to his or her unit. Please note that a Performance Check is not a PSC profile but a step in the process of obtaining one. At PL 5 and PL 7(Advanced Course), Linguistic profile tests will be administered.
Q11. Does distance learning prepare candidates for PSC tests?
A11. Yes. According to the training plan, a candidate can do the PSC tests after progress levels 5 and 7. After PL5 the expected results are AAA and BBB after PL7.
Q12. What happens if a participant must be absent?
A12. A student cannot be absent more than 3 weeks by progress level no matter what the reason is. If the absence is less than 5 consecutive days, the date of the test will not be postponed. When a student is absent, he /she must inform his/her teacher by email and indicate the cause and duration.
Q13. Can a student work while being on temporary duty or on leave?
A13. Yes. Given that ALLIES Web is accessible everywhere, a student can pursue the training. Student and teacher will agree on how to do the weekly verification.
Q14. Can participants obtain financial aid to procure computer equipment for the program?
A14. No. All required equipment must be obtained locally. For example, a unit could lend a portable computer to a candidate if necessary.
Q15. How can I register?
A15. To register, please click
here
to access registration page.
Q16. When do participants start training further to registration?
A16. In the days following registration, the participant will be contacted for a placement test to assess the level of entry. The training will begin according to the priority of the participant and the availability of a teacher. The waiting period varies according to the period of the year and the number of candidates registered. Click here for more information concerning priorities.
Q17. Where can further questions be directed?
A17. Please contact CFLS_REGISTRATION-INSCRIPTION_ELFC@FORCES.GC.CA for more information.
