World Languages ClassTools^®

View detailed information on each of the available World Languages ClassTools. Please note, Apex Learning courses featuring "Core" in their titles are geared towards students enrolling on a credit recovery basis.

* Note: In order to make full use of the ClassTools curriculum, some materials and/or textbooks are required. Please check the Apex Learning materials list for more information.

Register: ClassTools

About World Languages ClassTools by Apex Learning

Based on the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL)standards, Apex Learning's online World Languages curriculum builds linguistic proficiency and shapes cultural understanding. Varied activities allow students to develop vocabulary, grammar, listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Audio is integrated throughout, with oral and written exercises included in each lesson. Dialogues, stories, images, examples, and web explorations provide cultural context.

Apex Learning's World Languages curriculum is based on a "5X" approach to instruction, ensuring that students practice what they learn, as they learn it:

eXample: Language presented in context such as dialogues and stories
eXplanation: Detailed explanations of new concepts are presented
eXercise (receptive): Students demonstrate their understanding through interactive exercises
eXercise (productive): Students produce language that is immediately evaluated online
eXcitement: Cultural context is integrated throughout the content

Formative assessments are embedded throughout the content. Interactive self-check exercises allow students to gauge their understanding of new material as they learn. Computer-scored practice problems and lesson quizzes provide timely feedback on student progress. Unit tests and semester exams provide summative assessment opportunities. Diagnostic tests for each unit reveal strengths and weaknesses for a whole class and individual students. Automatically generated study plans direct students to relevant tutorials for remediation.

We evaluate the usual grade level at which a course is to be taught and then write the course at one year below that grade level. We have a distinct writing policy to keep sentences and paragraphs short and to keep pages short in overall length. This approach is very helpful to those students not reading at grade level. In addition, we use various forms of multimedia to help convey the message on a page; allowing even challenged readers to interact meaningfully with the content.

User Support

Apex Learning provides email and phone support for all participating teachers, mentors, administrators, students, and parents. This support goes beyond technical support and also includes instructor guidance and knowledge of the curriculum. In addition, there is 24x7 access to online help for all of the most frequently asked questions. Apex Learning's support team answers all emails and voice mail messages within 1 school day; 75% of all issues are resolved within the same school day. Phone support is available Monday - Friday, between 7:00 AM and 9:00 PM Central Standard Time.

Orientation

Apex Learning provides orientation resources to ensure every participant (including students, teachers, mentors, site-coordinators, and tech coordinators) is prepared for their online learning experience.

System Checkup. This online tool ensures each participant's computer is set up with an appropriate browser, plug-ins, and settings.
Guided Tours. Each participant has access to an online overview that explains how the learning program works and describes the responsibilities associated with his or her particular role.
School Readiness Kit. Online course mentors, site coordinators, and tech coordinators receive online or printed Getting Started sheets as well as access to an online School Readiness Kit with extensive instructions and information.

Technical Specifications

Apex Learning Web-based courses operate on both PC and Macintosh computers. PCs must have at least 16 MB Ram and run Windows 98, 2000 or preferably XP. Macintosh systems must have at least 32 MB RAM and run Mac OS 9.2 or preferably OS X v10.2.4 or higher. Browsers supported include Internet Explorer 6.0 and Safari 1.2 or higher, reliable Internet access at 56.6 Kbps or higher, an email account and at least 20 MB available hard drive space. See http://www.apexlearning.com/systemrequirements for a complete list of requirements.

Apex Learning, the Apex Learning logo, ClassTools, and Beyond Books are registered trademarks of Apex Learning Inc.