Q1. What is the virtual classroom pilot project?
A1. The virtual classroom pilot project is a full-time program in French as a Second Language offered by the Canadian Forces Language School (CFLS) Detachment Saint-Jean. The program is delivered in a teacher-led, user-friendly virtual environment using a combination of ALLIES Web and the regular Canadian Forces French Curriculum (CFFC). Working from home, candidates in the program may complete one Progress Level in 30 days.
Q2. Where did the project originate?
A2. The project is an initiative of the CFLS Detachment Saint-Jean. It is supported by the Commanders of the Canadian Forces Language School and the Canadian Defence Academy.
Q3. Who is admissible to the project?
A3. Any Anglophone member of the Regular Force, providing he or she can be freed from active duty for the duration of the course (30 days).
Q4. What are the eligibility criteria?
A4. Candidates must
-
be released from active duty for the duration of the 30 days course, for a few hours for technical checks;
-
meet the technical requirements of WebEx and ALLIES Web as indicated at
here;
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take a placement test to be scheduled over the telephone as follow-up to registration;
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have a headset with a microphone and a computer camera as indicated at
here.
- Go through a screening process
Q5. What is the course schedule?
A5. The course is given over 30 days, full time, Monday to Friday. The day is divided in two parts, each composed of three 50-minute periods, with two 10-minute breaks. The morning classes are from 08:30 to 11:20 EST, and the afternoon classes from 12:30 to 15:20 EST.
Q6. Are there any registration fees?
A6. No.
Q7. Do I need to have special computer skills to take this course?
A7. No. The platform is user friendly. A technician will be available to address areas of difficulty.
Q8. What is the course structure?
A8. Virtual Classroom
For half the day, the teacher leads a group of four to six students using a videoconference and document-sharing platform called WebEx. Instruction is given in real time; students engage with the teacher and with each other in small groups.
Individual Work
The other half of the day is spent in individual work, mostly with ALLIES Web, but also with paper and digital documents. This is an opportunity for the student to review what has been covered in class and to read, listen to, or watch additional materials to prepare for the next day. Some assignments require work in pairs on the phone or through Skype.
Personalized Conversation
Students are entitled to a 50-minute conversation with a teacher once every lesson. Teachers are available to answer questions on the phone and to offer pedagogical support as required.
Detailed Course Syllabus
From the beginning of the course, the student has access to a structured syllabus that allows him or her to preview or review material as desired. The syllabus describes what is done with the teacher daily and specifies individual work required. The teacher may modify the syllabus to meet the needs of students or to deal with unexpected events.
Q9. Do participants have access to pedagogical material?
A9. Yes. Students have access to the CFLS and a virtual library to enable them to consult all documents related to the course. Printable versions of course documents are also available.
Q10. Do participants receive a certificate or diploma?
A10. Yes. The results of Performance Checks administered after the course are sent to the candidate and to his or her unit. Tests in reading and writing are given near the candidate’s workplace; a test of oral interaction is given over the phone by a specialist from the CFLS Detachment Saint-Jean Distance Learning Program. Please note that a Performance Check is not a PSC profile but a step in the process of obtaining one. At PL5 and 7 (Advanced course), linguistic profile tests will be administered.
Q11. What happens if a participant must be absent?
A11. Daily attendance is compulsory. If leave is taken for any reason, the candidate must send his or her supervisor a completed leave request stating the reason and date(s) of the absence with copies for the teacher and the administrative assistant for the program.
Q12. Can participants obtain financial aid to procure computer equipment for the program?
A12. No. All required equipment must be obtained locally.
Q13. When will the virtual classroom be available for students of English as a second language?
A13. A parallel program for students of English will be offered when the program in French has been trialed and approved. French as a second language is the starting point because there is a greater demand for courses in French.
Q14. How can I register?
A14. To register, please click
here
to access registration page.
Q15. Where can further questions be directed?
A15. Please contact cfls.vc-fr.elfc-stjean@forces.gc.ca for more information.
