A new program from Acadia University is providing international students with the opportunity to develop their English language proficiency without setting foot on a campus. 

Acadia's Online English for Academic Purposes (OEAP) program combines its extensive language curriculum with online course tools and virtual classroom technologies.  While some of Canada's universities and private language schools offer online English programming, OEAP is distinguished by its interactive elements and its focus on preparing students for academic study. It is a fitting advance from a university well known for its use of technology inside and outside the classroom.

 Dr. Tom Herman, Acadia's Vice-President Academic, is enthusiastic about the program's launch. "OEAP represents one of the many ways Acadia has used technology to enhance its curricular and instructional quality.  It's part of our continuing efforts to offer students innovative, high-caliber academic experiences at all levels of university education."

Redeveloping Acadia's current pre-university English curriculum to fit an online model posed a unique set of challenges.  "English instruction has traditionally relied on a classroom format and a lot of face-to-face contact, and we felt that it was impossible to meet our academic standards without an appropriate level of interactivity," explains Julian Inglis, coordinator of Acadia's English Language Studies programs.  "It was vital to incorporate virtual classroom technology, so that our students and instructors could connect through shared materials and use audio and video to enhance communication."  Students need only a computer with an Internet connection to participate, but the University recommends a microphone and webcam to maximize interaction with instructors.

The advantages of online learning may apply particularly well to this type of language program.  "For an international student, arranging university study in Canada can be a long, involved process," Inglis says.  Many students have to wait several months to be issued study visas and permits.   "Studying English online will allow our students to make very productive use of the time between completing high school in their home country and finally arriving in Canada."  

The OEAP program is now accepting students on an open-entry basis, and is offered in conjunction with the established on-campus program. For more information, visit http://oeap.acadiau.ca

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For More Information, Contact:

Julian Inglis

Program Coordinator, English Language Studies

Open Acadia, Acadia University

902.585.1789

julian.inglis@acadiau.ca

http://oeap.acadiau.ca

 

Grant Lohnes

Marketing Assistant

Open Acadia, Acadia University

902.585.1622

grant.lohnes@acadiau.ca

www.openacadia.ca