Video Series for Blended Learning

[susanwilson]

Hi,
I am a workplace ESL instructor. I'm considering using either the "In English", or the "Connect with English" video series in a blended program, where students view the videos and complete the corresponding practice activities at home, supplemented by 1/2 hr. weekly meetings with me. We would also meet as a whole group once a week. If you have used these materials, I'd love your opinion on the strengths/weaknesses of the materials, and how they were used. Also, if you know of anyone I could contact who has used them in a distance learning/blended program I would appreciate that information greatly.
Susan

[billgerca1]

I just started participating in this forum so I hope this reply is timely.

If not, I would like to know what you are using.

I do know that IN English is being used with incredible success in both classroom and distance learning environments. It has a very sound pedigogy especially if you have real beginners - but can be effective up to intermediate learners.

Key factors are captioned vocabulary, sequential grammar, dialogs and explanation of the workbook on the video.

For the workplace, simply add relevant vocabulary.

[susanwilson]

Thanks for the reply. I decided to use Connect With English and Putting English to Work. I am starting the program with Intermediate level students, and while I liked some aspects of In English, I think it's a little too academic for my students. It also looks out of date. I think my students will find the storyline in Connect with English very appealing, and the LA Unified School District has developed alternate workbooks which follow the state standards very well. The workbook activities in In English have a heavy emphasis on writing, and since these students are cooks and other culinary workers, writing is the least important skill for them to develop at this point.