French in Cyberspace

Abstract

This article discusses the development of an online French language skills course, "French in Cyberspace," for undergraduates at Hollins University. It reviews the desirability and feasibility of conducting an online foreign language course for resident undergraduates as well as advocates a special niche in the instructional cycle that such a course might optimally occupy. The author also considers the "no significant difference" research that suggests that distance learning courses are equivalent to traditional face-to-face classes and concludes that the technoconstructivist advantages offered by an online French language skills course represent unique, important, and meaningful benefits for students seeking to improve their language skills. The course itself is described in detail and provides a potential blueprint for constructing and conducting an online French language skills course. The author furnishes a step-by-step account of all aspects of the online learning experience including student orientation to distance learning, suggested web resources that accommodate the various learning styles of the students, online activities that promote language skill development, and an evaluation rubric for the course.