Page 26 - Accents December

NSW School of Languages (NSL) provides 12 languages via distance education to over 2500 Year 9 to 12 students from government and non- government schools. To implement the new NSW K-10 syllabuses, the school moved from Moodle to a new Learning Management System. Canvas features tools for effective teaching, learning and assessment, allowing teachers to make learning more engaging and enabling students to easily navigate the online learning environment.
Teachers/writers at NSL developed eight engaging Year 9 courses in Canvas for implementation in 2019. These courses offer learners the opportunity to develop real-world language skills. The new syllabuses have encouraged teachers to focus on authentic communication, moving away from the discrete macro skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. The courses are contemporary, student-oriented and incorporate intercultural learning and growth mindset strategies.
Figure 1: Canvas dashboard of Year 9 2019 courses implemented
Coursework
The courses have sequenced learning modules for students to complete during their timetabled language lessons in their home school. Each week, students have a scheduled lesson with their language teacher which is conducted via phone, Skype, Google Hangouts or webinar platform. The lesson primarily focuses on practising speaking skills but can also consolidate course content, as well as introduce new concepts for the next module.
Languages Victoria
NSW School of Languages makes the shift
Page 26 Volume 8 Number 2