Our summer 2016 cohort began the online portion of the program this week! Both the full-time summer program and the part-time fall-spring program are presented in a blended-learning format with half the program taking place online and half the program taking place on-site at Teachers College, Columbia University. The initial, online session helps TCP students set the theoretical foundations in second language learning and teaching, and the subsequent onsite session builds on these foundations by offering students more hands-on experiences with second language instruction, including a practicum where students teach in our on-site language school

The TESOL Certificate Program uses a learning management system called Canvas to provide students with an online space to access coursework, submit assignments, engage in online discussions with classmates, and more. The TCP’s blended learning format not only offers advantages for those who prefer more flexible study options, but also provides professional development advantages as well. “Learning online is a completely different experience, and I believe that it is going to be something that is more common in the future,” said Intercultural Communication Instructor, Nadja Tadic, “So I think that for teachers to go through learning online is extremely helpful because they might be teaching online someday as well.”

To hear more about the blended learning format from Nadja and fellow faculty member Michelle Stabler-Havener, watch this short video below: