How Do Classes Work?

1. Students enter the digital classroom (powered by BigBlueButton) by logging in to the study portal and turning on their microphones & webcams. The teacher starts the lesson with a group activity (for example, analyzing a story, piece of artwork, or a film clip related to the subject matter).
2. The teacher presents the material as a combination of lecture and peer-to-peer discussion.
3. In some classes, students enter into break-out rooms for partnered study.
4. After class ends, the learning continues at the student’s pace, progressing through presentations and assignments due before the next class session.
5. Most classes also include a weekly discussion board in which the students are expected to converse regarding a question prompted by the week’s lesson.

Pretty much like a traditional classroom. Students and teachers see & hear each other, discuss questions, and make discoveries.

Our students have several ways of contributing to class discussions.

• Orally – With microphones turned on, students read and discuss class materials.
• In writing – Students write notes to their teacher and peers during class, seeking clarification and extending discussions.
• Artistically – Through a shared interactive screen, students draw and point as though they are using a traditional chalkboard.

  

Yes! The EJL Study Portal includes discussion boards, in which the teacher posts a discussion prompt and students reply to the teacher and each other throughout the time between class sessions. Students also have the opportunity to message each other privately through the online study portal.

In addition, many students build close friendships. We try to meet up for social events periodically.

Class sizes are small, from 4 to 8 students. Peer-to-peer interaction is a key component of our learning, and all students participate in each class session.

EJL courses utilize an online meeting software called BigBlueButton, designed specifically for the classroom. Click the button below to learn how students can interact through BigBlueButton.

Reasonable Internet speed with microphone is required. Webcam is preferred. The digital learning portal supports most browsers.

Need help with your tech? Contact Rudy for technical support.

Classes are typically held for an hour each week, with approximately 30 minutes of homework assigned between classes.

You are welcome to join a class on a trial basis without commitment, much as you might ‘shadow’ a class at a brick-and-mortar school before enrolling.