(1) promoting learner autonomy

(2) developing all four language skills

(3) building confidence in using the target language to communicate and pursue further studies

Course Structure
In this course, learners will work through a series of learning modules. Each module includes:

(a) a short e-lecture focused on individual language learning skills and strategies,

(b) activities based on online resources, and

(c) links to additional resources.

Additionally, participants will be required to participate in online discussions and keep an e-journal (blog).

Although participants will have some freedom regarding the pace at which they proceed through the modules, online discussions will follow a set schedule, roughly two weeks for each topic/theme.

The modules are as follows:

Module 1: Introduction/Getting Acquainted

Module 2: Vocabulary Building

Module 3: Reading Skills

Module 4: Writing Skills

Module 5: Listening Skills

Module 6: Speaking Skills

Module 7: Term Projects

Discussion Forum Protocol
The instructor will post questions for the first two or three discussion forums and each participant is expected to post a response by the end of the first week. During the following week, participants will respond to two or three of their classmates' postings.

Later in the term, the instructor may assign discussion roles for remaining forums (e.g. instigator, facilitator, provocateur, wrapper).

Please keep in mind the following points:

- Postings and responses should be based on both personal experience and assigned readings/activities.

- Keep postings and responses threaded (more details on this will be provided later).

E-Journal
Participants will be required to keep an e-journal (blog), and submit entries for each module. These entries should include reflections on what was learned or practiced, comments regarding online discussions as well as questions or problems. The e-journal should stimulate both self-reflection and critical thinking regarding course progress. Your instructor should be allowed access to your blog so they can respond.

Course Policies
Participants in the ELSSI course are expected to turn in each assignment by its due date. For each day that an assignment is late, 5% will be deducted from the score (e.g. an assignment that otherwise meets all criteria but is turned in three days late will be worth 85% of the same assignment turned in on time). Please contact your instructor as soon as possible if you have some special circumstances such as serious illness or other emergency.

Civility Statement
Participants are encouraged to express different opinions and ideas, but this should always be done in a courteous or friendly manner that encourages others to freely express themselves. All discussion forums and group projects will be conducted in an atmosphere of mutual respect. Please refrain from using any vulgar, rude or disrespectful language.

Plagiarism, Academic Honesty Statement
Participants in the ELSSI course are expected to strive for academic excellence. This includes avoiding any form of plagiarism or academic dishonesty.

The Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary defines plagiarize as follows: "to steal and pass off (the ideas or words of another) as one's own: use (another's production) without crediting the source involves using other people's writing or ideas without crediting the source."

The University of Melbourne maintains a useful resource related to plagiarism at http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/plagiarism/advice.html.

Any violations will be reported to the Student Affairs Office. When in doubt, contact your instructor.

Contact Information
We will be using e-mail for all of our communications other than the discussion forums. In case of emergency, you can contact me at bjones_jp@yahoo.com.

- Introduction
  This is the ELSSI homepage.

- Schedule
  A list of starting and ending dates for each module.

- Evaluation
  Includes a grading rubric for evaluating learner performance and a survey to evaluate the course.

- Module One
- Module Two
- Module Three
- Module Four
- Module Five
- Module Six
- Module Seven

Glossary

Autonomy - ability to work alone
Instigator - this person starts the discussion with an opinion, question, etc.
Facilitator - this person keeps the discussion moving
Provocateur - this person offers other opinions or points of view
Wrapper - this person summarizes the main points when everyone is finished
Reflections - thoughts and/or feelings
Self-reflection - thinking about your own progress, problems, etc.
Critical thinking -questioning what you read or hear
Deducted - taken away from
Courteous - respectful and considerate
Vulgar - offensive, bad language
Rude - not polite
Disrespectful - showing a lack of respect or care
Plagiarism - copying someone else's work

Acknowledgments
This course was designed and developed as a requirement for the L630 Course Development for Online Educators course through the Education Department at Indiana University. The work of both Karen Hallett and Eileen Cotton provided inspiration for the content and organization of this course. This page was created using Netscape Navigator Gold.

Contact Information
For more information, email me at bjones_jp@yahoo.com.