At the University of Houston, we have an ongoing Arabic language program with 'live' teachers. Every semester, we have students whose language level does not fit into our classes. So rather then turn our learners away and discourage them from choosing Arabic as a language for study, we decided to start an online Arabic program. Students register online and they interact with teachers and students via the web. I cannot begin to tell you how much this has helped us and the students. Our students liked the online program a lot and they benefited greatly. As a teacher I was able to track their progress and know how well they are doing. While in class, a student can get away with being physically present without focusing on the subject matter or the point being discussed, this cannot happen online. Students have to be active, focused and alert the whole time they are working. The online course requirements includes things such as: homework, tests, writing, and asking the teacher questions. Everything is calculated by the system. As a teacher all I had to do was print the progress report and discuss it with my students. What a relief! If you have not yet started using Arab Academy's program in your classes, then I highly recommend you to. The program and the support provided to teachers and students are terrific!
Tawhida El-Askary
Director, Arabic Language Program
University of Houston
E-mail: telaskary@uh.edu