FAQ
What do we offer?
We provide comprehensive Arabic language courses, taught by a qualified native speaker via face to face distance learning by using interactive video conferencing to literally beam a live teacher to students and classrooms. Physically, it is just like a traditional class except that the teacher is on a screen instead of physically in the same room as his students. Our courses are ideal for a range of individuals and institutions—from K-12 schools to homeschool groups, to after-school programs, full-time students, and even adult professionals. We also provide private lessons to students interested in learning Arabic for personal or professional reasons—indeed, our multi-faceted programs promote effective language learning at any age.
How much does it cost?
We have different prices for academic institutions and homeschool/independent study students.
Independent Study - $150 per month/per student.
Classes meet for 2 hours per week with their instructor. Sibling and spousal discounts are available. Students under the age of 9 may be accompanied by a parent at no additional charge. New classes start at the beginning of every month. These courses do not require access to a video conferencing enabled classroom. Students may use a laptop, tablet or even smart phone, with a forward facing camera and the Skype or Zoom apps installed, to connect with their teacher during the class periods.
Academic Institutions -
Special rates are available to academic institutions which are the first in their area to sign up.
What does the video conference classroom provide?
Classes that are taught using interactive video conference technology have a large screen at the front of the classroom that enables the students and teacher to dynamically interact in real time. The teacher also uses a white board to engage students and further imitate the traditional classroom environment. Video conference technology also allows the students and teacher to hear and see each other for a fully engaging experience. We emphasize the importance of a classroom in which all students are physically or virtually present together. This maintains the critical social aspects of language learning that are lost during private lessons. Students learn not only from the teacher but from each other as well, providing a much richer and dynamic experience.
What value does the classroom add to online and computer-based learning?
The students use personal computers before class to review vocabulary and grammar via a variety of exciting media and online resources. By pre-teaching vocabulary and grammar, class time can be dedicated to activities during which students actually use the language in speaking, reading, and writing exercises. This gives students the opportunity to apply what they are learning in practical, engaging ways that include playing educational games, completing interactive exercises, discussing current lessons, collaborating on projects, and being able to ask in-depth questions. Taking part in these interactions under the guidance of a qualified Arabic language instructor allows students to learn more effectively than in a more passive classroom setting.
Are the teachers qualified and well prepared for the virtual classroom?
Our teachers are academically qualified native speakers who have extensive experience teaching Arabic as a foreign language and have undergone additional training in effectively using virtual communication methods, and specifically our materials, for language instruction. The real-time and highly interactive nature of this classroom setting allows the teacher to successfully intuit and respond to the needs of the class on a day-to-day and session-to-session basis.
What is the course curriculum being offered?
We provide a pre-developed, comprehensive, and effective Arabic language program. The number of levels and classes we offer can be adjusted to accommodate each school’s needs. For example, we can offer one class per academic year, or up to as many as a particular school requires. Schools can increase or decrease the number of classes they offer each academic year according to the level of interest amongst students. We also provide a homeschool/independent learning group option that is conducted over Skype.
What is the typical classroom environment and schedule for schools?
Classes are conducted almost exclusively in Arabic, even for beginners. Groups of up to twenty-five students are physically located in the same room, and the teacher is brought in via a video conference. The classroom maintains a traditional set-up, with the teacher conducting class from the front of the room on a large screen. This real-time and highly interactive classroom environment is facilitated by current, quality video conferencing equipment and software.
What is the typical classroom environment for independent study groups?
Students gather for a class anywhere that is quiet and has a good internet connection using only a laptop, tablet or even smartphone with a forward facing camera and video conferencing apps installed. These lessons are geared toward individuals and small groups of students interested in learning Arabic who wish to learn Arabic without earning credit from an academic institution. The curriculum is flexible enough that individuals and groups can decide on a case-by-case basis if they wish to take exams or not. At the end of this course, each student receives a PDF report card showing his or her scores on homework assignments, projects, quizzes, and exams.
What is a student’s course grade based on?
Since we maintain as a traditional a classroom environment as possible, students are graded based on individual classroom and homework performance as well as group participation.
How do I register for a class?
if you are interested in studying with us This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and, after discussing your goals and background, we will arrange a discounted trial lesson with one of our teachers.
Do you offer private lessons? See section above.
Yes.
Has video conference technology been used successfully to teach groups?
Yes. A quick google search will reveal that video conference is becoming a more and more common method for schools to bring specialty programming to their students. Many other companies providing live teachers via video conference, the instructor operates as a talking head with a document camera or virtual whiteboard. Our system uses video conferencing to re-create a traditional classroom environment. Even though the teacher is not physically present in the same room as the students, he or she stands at the front of the classroom, and actively interacts with the group. The students are able to see the teacher from the waist up and the teacher sees each student clearly. We emphasize the importance of having an engaging student-teacher interaction as possible.
Is effectiveness of this language course proven?
Our academic stream is designed for students to effectively and efficiently learn both formal and informal Arabic. The course meets the guidelines and standards set forth by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages for teaching foreign languages, Arabic in particular. Students who wish to continue their Arabic studies after completing a Critical Language Service course will be able to integrate easily into programs at all levels including college level programs.
Why should a student learn Arabic?
Arabic is an official UN language and is becoming increasingly useful in the job market.
There are a multitude of practical reasons (beyond the simple joy of learning a foreign language, of course):
- Arabic is the fifth most commonly spoken native language in the world
- Arabic speakers are in high demand and low supply in job markets
- Many financial incentives (scholarships, bonuses) are available for learning Arabic
- Arabic-speaking nations are a fast-growing market for trade and development
Is there one-on-one student assistance available?
Students can also email their teacher at any time with questions or concerns and will receive a response within 24 hours. If a student requires extra help beyond what a teacher can provide during office hours and through email correspondence, we will work with that student, his or her school, and the teacher to arrange for necessary support.
Is Arabic really hard to learn?
Learning Arabic does require learning a different alphabet. The Arabic alphabet consists of 28 different characters with two or three different shapes each. As part of our engaging, interactive curriculum we provide numerous study aids to help students in the memorization process, from music videos to explanatory videos that use different colors to differentiate the letters and their shapes. There are also many online games and recommended iPad apps that provide practice writing the letters, as well as more traditional textbook exercises. Once students get further along into the course, there are videos and other learning aids that provide a step-by-step guide through grammar, difficult exercises, texts, and more. We strongly believe that with proper support, effective teachers, and interactive learning materials, anyone can successfully learn a foreign language.
Why start learning Arabic in K-12 instead of in college?
The earlier a person starts to learn a foreign language the easier it will be, and the higher the probability that he or she will achieve an advanced level of proficiency. Additionally, college Arabic classes tend to have high dropout rates. Our courses offer students smaller class sizes as well as personalized support and targeted assistance. While it’s currently rare for K-12 students to learn Arabic, those that study it successfully have increased access to scholarships at universities, summer programs, and certain government language study travel programs like the Flagship Scholarship program.
If none of these questions have address your inquiry, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we’ll be happy to provide any additional information.