World Language Exchange provides virtual classrooms for every language.
How it works
World Language Exchange brings a whole world of language immersion to each and every student, by utilizing four powerful multimedia tools:
1) Live virtual classroom;
2) Native entertainment, news and culture;
3) Virtual friendships with native speakers;
4) Interactive language software and books.
Live Virtual Classrooms
The most important educational resource is the live virtual teacher and classmates. Classes meet at set times during the day, and there is a great deal of flexibility as to when students can attend class across several time zones. Dedicated students record the classes to review and master. If a student is absent, recorded lessons can be reviewed from the class archives. All that is needed is a high speed computer—we’ll take it from there. World Language Exchange provides all the necessary hardware, software and books through our site. Students can hear, see and interact with their teacher and classmates on their monitors in real time, and participate by speaking, typing and writing.
Native Entertainment, News and Culture
World Language Exchange presents students with entertainment, news and culture in native languages from native television, radio and Internet broadcasts. (coming soon) We utilize a specialized tool bar which enables the program to be slowed down and paused as needed, and a running English translation and transliteration of the monologue or discussion also simultaneously stream on students’ monitors. Scenes can be repeated as often as desired, essentially enabling students to slow and freeze the action so it can be studied. This tool is available 24/7.
Virtual Friendships with Native Speakers
Upon enrolling with World Language Exchange, students are automatically connected to the virtual language community, where they make friends with native speakers informally, outside the academic setting. The websites we utilize are reputable, social language networks, where students can set up times to interact. Half the time is spent speaking the language you wish to learn, while the other half is spent with your friend who is learning English.
CD ROM Software and Books
The leading CD ROM software and books are provided by World Language Exchange. Voice recognition technology has come of age, and now enables students to interact linguistically with the computer in an educational and stimulating activity. The use of pictures is helpful because it enables students to stop translating and start abstractly equating sounds with objects and actions – the method by which all human beings acquired their first language. This tool is available 24/7. Books with accompanying audio CD’s are also available.
Curriculum, School Credit and Professional Advancement
When students make their best effort to participate in several of these activities, an atmosphere of immersion is created and a new language can be acquired. World Language Exchange is designed for students who really want to be able to read, write and speak a new language.
World Language Exchange works in coordination with ACTFL, the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, and National US and State Certification Boards. Proficiency exams are offered in both oral and written formats through ACTFL and LTI, Language Testing International. Exam results and language credits earned are reported directly to the public or private school, corporation, or government institution where each student is enrolled, employed or stationed.
