Using an online instructional program developed by a language publisher the Romance Languages Department began experimenting with a hybrid, or blended learning - course that combines the advantages of face-to-face instruction with the flexibility and rich feedback provided by online learning. This hybrid course replaced two hours of traditional classroom instruction per week with online instruction by giving students access to online tutorials, assessments and other resources.   

This blended learning approach proved to have a number of significant benefits for both students and instructors.  Using the online instruction and resources students can more easily guage their own progress and maximize their time on task and instructors can determine when students need additional practice on a subject.  Additionally, “many students appreciate the ability to interact with course content at times and in places that best suit their learning preferences”  said Hosun Kim, the Spanish Hybrid Course Coordinator. 

The instructional program is purchased through the student bookstore and comes in the form of a book key, as opposed to a textbook, which provides online access to all materials.  The online program is structured like a Spanish language textbook, providing practice in listening, pronunciation, speaking, reading, and writing.  There are also grammar tutorials, videos, and Internet links for further exploration.  

For more information, please visit: http://romlcourses.unc.edu/spanhybrid