Distance Learning

The Center offers the following distance learning courses:

Spanish and French Language and Culture Online: These courses allow students to explore cultural issues in the target language through authentic texts. They also facilitate student analysis of their experiences in order to apply what they learn as students to their teaching.

The assumption behind these courses is that exploring, questioning, and sharing information about a topic in the target language encourages students to master ever more sophisticated modes of communication. At the same time, students seek to understand the pedagogical underpinnings of the courses while acquiring the knowledge to effectively apply what they are learning to their own classrooms. In the process, students learn reading, writing, and instructional strategies that they can bring into their own classrooms. The courses run from September to May. There is a three-week vacation from mid-December to early January and a two-week vacation in the spring. The weekly workload for these courses averages 5.0–6.5 hours/week. 3 graduate credits.

Prerequisite: A target language proficiency level of Intermediate-High or above. Contact us for more information. Enrollment is based on language level and availability.

Developing Leaders through Teacher Research: Because action research can be complex and dynamic, students are assigned a mentor who will support them through the research process. Students are required to correspond with their mentor at least once a month, developing and refining their projects as they unfold. Students also enter into online discussions with the other students in their mentor’s care so they can strengthen both their cohort ties and their research skills by helping each other. The course runs from September to May. There is a three-week vacation from mid-December to early January. The weekly workload for this course averages 6.8–8.0 hours/week. 4 graduate credits.

Technology Needs: Any computer with Internet access and a web browser will work. However, for a browser we recommend Firefox and Internet Explorer 5.x or higher. Recommended also, is a 56 K modem or faster connection.

Registration Deadline: July 17. Early enrollment is encouraged.

Credits: Credits earned at Bennington College are transferable only at the discretion of the receiving school.

2007–2008 Fees:

• Language & Culture (3 graduate credits):
  Tuition $1,350
  Registration $50
  TOTAL: $1,400
• Developing Leaders through Teacher Research (4 graduate credits):
  Tuition $1,800
  Registration $50
  TOTAL: $1,850

For more information or to register, contact Nancy Pearlman at 802-440-4710 or npearl@bennington.edu.