Where does the Introduction/Summary/Home module fit into the course design?

The Overview module is an essential element in the course design, serving as the first contact for students and parents. Together with the Parent/Student Lounge, which allows parents to familiarize themselves with the course, and the Start Here module, which establishes the syllabus and expectations, it creates a solid foundation. The beginning exploration module introduces primary material lightly, preparing students for the more structured modules. Over the weeks, the course follows a logical progression with clear objectives and varied activities that develop language skills. In addition to evaluating what has been learned, the final exam connects culturally with students, ensuring a cohesive educational experience that balances content, practice, evaluation, and culture.

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How is your instructional design approach reflected in the modules?

The course's instructional design effectively combines blended learning, the COVA model, and constructivist and connectivist principles. Blended Learning balances activities, maximizing opportunities for students to work independently. The COVA approach allows students to choose how to demonstrate their understanding, take responsibility for their learning, express their voice, and participate in authentic activities. Through an authentic learning environment, students develop essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration, preparing them for success in both academic and real-world contexts.

 

Where do you share the objective and main results of the course with your students?

The objectives and expected results of the course are shared in a clear and accessible way from the beginning, using several strategic points:

 

"Start Here" Module: The syllabus is presented here, explaining the general objective and the expected learning results. Students get an overview of the course, including the skills they will develop (speaking, writing, and understanding Spanish) and critical projects, marking the first step in understanding the course journey.          

 

Weekly Lessons: Each module introduces the week's objectives, aligning activities with expected outcomes and allowing students to measure their progress.

 

Activities and Continuous Feedback: Throughout the course, students receive constant feedback on their activities, helping them reflect on their progress and adjust their learning approach when necessary.

 

Final Evaluations and continuous evaluation: In the final exam and continuous assessment, students have the opportunity to demonstrate everything they have learned in an integrated and authentic way, evaluating the main results of the course.

 

Audiobooks and Personal Reflection: Audiobooks enhance understanding, followed by a "Check for Understanding," which allows students to individually reflect on what they have learned and how it relates to course objectives.

 

How are objectives/outcomes, activities, and assessments aligned across units/modules?

In the course, the objectives, activities, and evaluations are aligned to ensure a coherent progression in student learning; this alignment is met with the following:  

 

Clear and Specific Objectives: The module has weekly objectives that guide students in developing linguistic skills such as listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing in Spanish.

 

Activities Designed to Achieve Objectives: These activities are structured to reinforce weekly objectives, combining interpretive, oral, and written tasks to strengthen expected language skills.

 

Formative and Summative Assessments: Weekly formative assessments measure ongoing progress, while summative assessments at the end of the unit integrate all skills learned.

 

Continuous Feedback: Students receive constant feedback that allows them to adjust their learning approach.

 

Final Evaluation: At the end of the course, the main results are comprehensively evaluated with a final exam.

 

Is this course student-centered or teacher-directed?

This course is designed to be student-centered while maintaining elements of instructional direction to guide and support the learning process.

It is a student-centered approach, where the teacher acts as a facilitator and mentor, empowering students to take ownership of their learning. Students are motivated to explore, inquire, and construct knowledge meaningfully by providing opportunities for choice, autonomy, and voice.

 

What is the scope or range of the instructor's role (Presenter, Facilitator, Coach, Mentor)?

The instructor's role in this course is multifaceted, encompassing the roles of presenter, facilitator, coach, and mentor.

Presenter: Introduces and explains the content.

Facilitator: Supports learning and provides resources.

Coach: Develop skills and prepare for assessments.

Mentor: Provides personalized guidance and encourages reflection.

This approach ensures that the instructor guides students through content and activities and supports their holistic personal and academic development.

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Is the course hybrid or entirely online?

The course is designed for blended learning. It provides access to educational materials and interaction opportunities through digital platforms, allows students to participate from anywhere and anytime, and extensively uses online learning, assessment, and communication tools.

 

How do you introduce the course and yourself and build the learning community?

The course and the teacher are introduced through the Overview Module, a Welcome module where the course's objectives are explained, and the teacher is introduced through a template with personal information, creating an initial connection. In the "Start Here" Module, the syllabus, the expectations, and the activity where students can present themselves are presented to foster community. Throughout the course, spaces are used for feedback and personal reflection activities that promote interaction and teamwork. A "Parent Lounge" Module is also offered for communication, questions and answers, creating a collaborative learning environment.

 

What is the ratio or percentage of synchronous to asynchronous collaboration?

In the course, most of the collaboration is asynchronous, around 70-80%, and includes activities such as discussion forums, assignment submissions, readings, audiobooks, and personal reflections, which students can complete at their own pace. Synchronous collaboration is represented between 20-30% of the time, although it is not defined at the moment. It will be done through videoconferences and digital group meetings, offering real-time interaction and immediate feedback. This balance allows for flexibility in learning and key moments of direct interaction.

 

How will you address the support needs and infrastructure that students may face?

Several key strategies are implemented to address students' needs and support infrastructures in an online course. First, easy and accessible technical support is offered with guides, tutorials, and online assistance. The course is designed to be compatible with various devices and browsers, and the accessibility of all materials is ensured, such as videos with subtitles and support tools for students with special needs. Individual accommodations, such as deadline extensions, are also provided, and open communication is encouraged to identify any special needs. Regarding academic and emotional support, tutoring, guidance, and spaces where students can receive advice or share experiences are offered. Finally, constant communication with regular feedback ensures students can access the course and fully participate in learning.