Presented as part of the ANU Language Teaching Forum.

In 2013, the Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies (CAIS) began an ambitious project to teach Persian and Arabic online. The first course offering was Introductory Persian A in Semester 1, 2014; Introductory Persian B and an advanced course in Media Arabic followed in Semester 2, 2014.

Digital learning, whether online, offline, or a blend, has become a major debate for universities worldwide and challenged the traditional model of university instruction.

The online learning trend presents complex and specific problems as well as opportunities in the field of language teaching. In offering Persian online we have grappled with these issues but also found opportunities for creating a wide-ranging and intensive language learning experience to enhance language acquisition, in this case Persian. We also provide an intensive linguistic program which is culturally grounded and academically rigorous; all online.

What have been the lessons and challenges of the first offering of Persian online - technologies; student demographics; time, budget, and skill constraints? What was the model adopted and why? How can technology simplify, create and deepen the language learning experience and instill cultural appreciation and affection at the same time as developing verifiable linguistic knowledge and skill? What was the student experience and how did students perform?

We look forward to having a vigorous discussion with all in attendance following the presentation andsharing our experience so far in the Persian Language Online Project.

See the forum flyer here.

The Language Teaching Forum aims to provide a discussion platform for language teachers and researchers across ANU colleges. Its main objective is to enhance the exchange of research and new approaches in language education. The forum is open to interested people from outside the university such as school teachers and teachers from community schools.

The LTF is held on the first Wednesday of each month, 4.15-5.15pm followed by drinks and nibbles.

The forum is jointly coordinated by:

• Dr Gabriele Schmidt, School of Literature, Languages and Linguistics, CASS
• Dr Duck-Young Lee, School of Culture, History & Language, CAP
• Ms France Meyer, Centre for Arab & Islamic Studies, CASS