Chinese Digital Textbook Available Online
One of the goals of the funding for online Chinese and Arabic is to create and share language teaching materials, so the following learning objects are available as digital textbooks at www.learnnc.org for use in any Chinese course:
• Video vignettes, including scripts in pinyin, simplified and traditional characters, and English
• Audio and video recordings of all material done at a slower pace and concentrating on the movements of the mouth to focus on pronunciation
• Cultural materials used in the course, with Internet links to information, music, art and other items
• Listening exercises, practice activities, and resources related to learning Chinese that have been tested during the piloting of the courses
• Written exercises for students to practice character writing
The Mandarin Chinese I digital textbook is posted at www.learnnc.org
Go to the LEARN NC website and type ‘Mandarin’ in the search box located in the upper right-hand corner.
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Posted by am.gunter | February 22, 2009 | 11:17 PM | Permalink |
Online Mandarin Chinese
North Carolina students can take Mandarin Chinese courses online through the North Carolina Virtual Public School (NCVPS) thanks to the combination of two grants: Foreign Language Assistance Program (FLAP) and Advanced Placement (AP).
Mandarin Chinese I, II, and III are currently available through NCVPS. Mandarin Chinese IV will be offered for the first time in Fall 2009, and AP Chinese will follow in Spring 2010.
These courses focus on the spoken language so students are communicating as soon as possible in the language. Students hear and see Chinese through video vignettes that follow two teenagers in their daily lives. Each lesson also contains listening exercises and weekly practice with conversation coaches and the instructor – all online!
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Posted by am.gunter | February 22, 2009 | 11:12 PM | Permalink | Announcements
North Carolina Dual Language Conference
The North Carolina Dual Language Conference took place on April 22-23, 2008, in Charlotte. Two groups of educators (novices and veterans) heard from speakers about how to implement and expand dual language/immersion programs.
The presentations and handouts from the conference are posted below as links to PDF files for ease of downloading. Plans for the next conference are already underway.
Please direct all questions and inquiries to Ann Marie Gunter, Second Language Consultant, at agunter@dpi.state.nc.us
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Posted by am.gunter | May 4, 2008 | 10:53 PM | Permalink | Events
Second Language Updates
The Second Language Updates are email newsletters sent out periodically that contain information about foreign language education, including: news, teacher resources, student resources, professional development opportunities, etc.
Here are some recent Second Language Updates:
Second Language Update (June 5, 2009)
Working Spanish for Educators flyer
NCVPS Conversation Coaches Needed for Arabic, Chinese and Russian Courses
Second Language Update (May 1, 2009)
If you would like to receive the Second Language Updates in your emailbox, join one of the listservs for foreign language educators in North Carolina by going to http://community.learnnc.org/dpi/secondlang/archives/2005/07/listservs_1.php to decide which listserv would be most beneficial. Then, follow the directions to sign up.
Posted by am.gunter | September 15, 2007 | 8:31 AM | Permalink | Professional Resources
SBE Policies Impact Foreign Language Education in 2007
See the official NC DPI Update regarding May and June SBE action on High School Courses taken in Middle Grades for graduation credit and American Sign Language (ASL) courses and teacher certification.
Outline of the Course Coding Structure
Appendix A contains information about taking Middle School Courses for High School Credit
Download ASL Standard Course of Study
Download ASL Teacher Standards and licensing information
Posted by h.fasciano | September 14, 2007 | 10:24 AM | Permalink | Legislation & State Board Policy