In certain subject areas, there could be considerable added value to an online course if video, audio, and real-time activities were included in the program. For example, with language learners, sound and visual components add a tremendous amount to comprehension during communication. This is because tone of voice, facial expressions, gestures, and body language add a lot to comprehension. However, purely text-based activities also have merit, especially during writing practice. The following are examples of how video, audio, and real-time activities could enhance an asynchrous online foreign language course:

Video

Short video segments of feature films in the target language can be followed by discussion questions in the Virtual Classroom pertaining to character description, plot, story line, idioms, etc. Also, many foreign language textbooks have accompanying videos that supplement the chapters in the book. These could be placed online to be downloaded and viewed at the students’ convenience.

Audio

Audio files can do wonders for pronunciation exercises… MUCH better than the phonetic alphabet, and when used in conjunction with the phonetic alphabet, can even be better.

Real-time Activities

Activities such as video conferencing when used one-on-one is like a telephone call with video. Students can be paired up with partners across the globe and carry on real conversations in the target language. This activity can be followed by discussions in the Virtual Classroom, e-mail correspondence, and other language practice exercises.