8-WEEKS VS. 16 WEEKS: In a course that runs only 8 weeks, we cover the same material that's covered during a 16-week semester. Since these are 5-unit classes, during the 16-week version, we meet 5 hours per week and students work outside of class up to 10 hours per week (based on the official definition of a class unit where 1 unit = 1 hour in class and 2 hours outside of class per week). During an 8-week session, those numbers are doubled to 10 hours of instruction time and (potentially) 20 hours of outside of class time.

HYBRID VS. NON-HYBRID: If the 8-week classes were not hybrid versions of the course, we would meet 10 hours per week. Because they're hybrid classes, we meet 5 hours per week and students complete the remainder of the traditional face-to-face instruction time independently using online instructional materials that include readings, slideshows, videos, discussions, etc. All materials are accessible 24/7 in Canvas and students have some flexibility in terms of when during the day or week they choose to complete the work, but they need to follow the class calendar and published due dates. These independent instruction time hours (typically 5 to 6 per week) are separate from the "outside of class" hours mentioned above.

TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS: In a hybrid class, students complete the majority of your work (both independent study for the 5-6 hours of instruction time per week and homework assignments) on a computer online. Because of this there are certain technology requirements. A cell phone by itself is not sufficient. In order to successfully complete the class, students will need: a computer (desktop, laptop or Chromebook), a working camera and microphone, a reliable internet connection. If students don't have what's needed, OCC may be able to help! There are computers and printers available for use in locations such as the OCC Library and the OCC Computing Center, and wifi is available anywhere on campus. There are also programs where students can request to borrow a device or get a hotspot.

IMPORTANCE OF BEING PRESENT AT CLASS MEETINGS: The language courses offered through the OCC World Languages Department focus on acquiring and developing language skills rather than learning information about languages (which is what one might do, for example, in a Linguistics course). The classes and the textbook program are based on a communicative approach to language acquisition. Our class meetings are devoted primarily to activities that allow students to practice and develop listening and speaking skills. Since we only meet half the time that we would in a non-hybrid section, it’s especially important that students be present during class meetings. The asynchronous online time will focus on presentation of grammatical structures and key vocabulary, as well as reinforcement of both.

As you can see, an 8-week version of a 5-unit class will require a good amount of your time and energy! If you choose to take one, remember that I'm here to help, so reach out whenever you need to. 😊