Open Educational Resources (OER): ESL and Modern Languages
This guide provides information and resources for faculty who are interested in exploring opportunities for using textbooks and learning materials published through non-commercial sources in their (physical or virtual) classrooms.
Check These Out
The following resources can easily be searched by categories to find relevant resources:
Textbook Suggestions from Librarians
By request of the VP for Academic Affairs, the library has collected suggestions for potential textbooks for a few specific Atlantic Cape classes. Please take a look.
Language Learning
- Acceso
The University of Kansas Collaborative Digital Spanish Project (Acceso) is an open-access, digital learning environment designed to promote the acquisition of Spanish and the development of cultural understanding of the varied groups of people who share Spanish as a common language. - French a la Mode
A tool for learners of French from the University of Kansas. - Merlot: French
Merlot is a website in which you may find a great variety of free online resources. The link below will bring you to a list of French textbooks and instructional websites.
Textbook Suggestions from Librarians
FREN-111 Elementary French I
Textbooks
- Au Boulot! First-Year French
Dinneen et al. (1995) developed a textbook that is still highly recommened today as a grammar resource. This resource includes the textbook, workbook, and 21 audio exercises designed to provide learners with a strong understanding of grammar and vocabulary. This resource is recommended in combination with other materials that offer a more cultural aspect and more modern pedagogical approach.
Liberté by Publication Date: 2017Liberté, by Gretchen Angelo, is a first-year college French textbook with a true communicative approach. It has been adopted by instructors at over thirty colleges and high schools (partial list below). The textbook may be downloaded for free in accordance with the license, or printed copies can be ordered. Please contact me for information on printed copies or requests for audio. Note that audio is available only to institutions adopting the text; I am sorry, but I do not currently supply them to homeschoolers or individual learners, as I simply get too many requests and cannot answer them all.
- French I
In 2013, this French I curriculum was provided as an OER in OER Commons. This course must be downloaded and includes a syllabus, link to text and other material, and complete modules including readings, activities, and grading rubrics. - Merlot: FrenchMerlot is a website in which you may find a great variety of free online resources. The link below will bring you to a list of French textbooks and instructional websites.
- Tex's French GrammarIn Tex's French Grammar, students are challenged to refine their grammar skills through exercises, cartoons, and videos.
French in Action by Publication Date: 1987A video instructional series in French for college and high school classrooms and adult learners; 52 half-hour video programs. Please note: Annenberg Learner no longer sells supplementary materials for this series. Please visit Yale University Press for workbooks and audio.
This series uses active participation to increase fluency in French, while introducing French culture. Pierre Capretz’s proven language-immersion method is presented within a humorous teleplay with native speakers of all ages and backgrounds. The storyline of an American student and a young Frenchwoman’s adventures in Paris and the French countryside is reinforced by Dr. Capretz’s on-camera instruction. The series is also appropriate for teacher professional development.
Due to licensing agreements, online viewing of the videos for this resource is restricted to network connections in the United States and Canada.
- OER Commons: FrenchOER Commons includes a great variety of resources on French including textbooks, online resources, lesson plans, and more.
FREN-112 Elementary French II
Textbooks
- Sons & Lettres: A pronunciation method for intermediate-level French
Written by Stephen Walton in 2018, this textbook is designed to help students identify and pronounce a variety of French words properly by improving how learners hear and recognize sounds. - Tout un Monde: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Intermediate French In 2019, Alicia Soueid took on a multidisciplinary approach to intermediate French. In this text, you will find a variety of topics and vocabulary including medicine, advertising, travel, business, agriculture, and relationships.
- French IIIn 2013, French II was developed to help students learn and master the basics of the French language. This curriculum was broken into four modules in which students will be expected to read, write, speak, and listen in French. Additionally, suggested homework assignments are included. This resource also uses the Tex's French Grammar.
- BC Campus French
BCcampus offers open textbook resources. The link below will bring you to three potentially useful French textbooks to guide your students and enhance their learning
Additional Resources
- Enhancing French SkillsKelton & Guilloteau (2017) created a website designed to enhance the development of strong French skills. This free resource includes videos, activities, exercises, and suggested homework.
- Tex's French GrammarIn Tex's French Grammar, students are challenged to refine their grammar skills through exercises, cartoons, and videos.
- French in Action by Publication Date: 1987A video instructional series in French for college and high school classrooms and adult learners; 52 half-hour video programs. Please note: Annenberg Learner no longer sells supplementary materials for this series. Please visit Yale University Press for workbooks and audio.
This series uses active participation to increase fluency in French, while introducing French culture. Pierre Capretz’s proven language-immersion method is presented within a humorous teleplay with native speakers of all ages and backgrounds. The storyline of an American student and a young Frenchwoman’s adventures in Paris and the French countryside is reinforced by Dr. Capretz’s on-camera instruction. The series is also appropriate for teacher professional development.
Due to licensing agreements, online viewing of the videos for this resource is restricted to network connections in the United States and Canada.
SGNL-101 American Sign Language
Textbooks
- American Sign Language IIn this completed curriculum, instructors will find a great variety of resources focused on teaching the basics of ASL. This resource includes a variety of material sources such as Ted Talks, internet resources, quizzes, tests, readings, and handouts. As a free resource, you have the option to follow it exactly, modify it, or use it in combination with other course materials of your desire.
- History of ASLMadison Rice created a brief powerpoint sharing the history of ASL. This powerpoint discusses what ASL means, who developed ASL, who uses ASL, and why it is important to learn. This resource offers a great introduction to ASL.
- Sign Language 101
Dr. Byron W. Bridges shares ASL basics on his website through creating video-based lessons lasting approximately 20 minutes each. In each video, he signs everything he says allowing learners to become more familiar with ASL. His videos are easy to follow, visual, and covers all of the essentials.
Additional Resources
- ABC's in American Sign LanguageABC's in American Sign Language is designed for all ages and includes images as well as videos on how to properly sign each letter of the alphabet. Being that this resource may be used for younger ages, it is simple and easy to follow helping students learn each letter.
- American Sign Language University
ASLU provides a website of free resources helping others learn ASL. The website includes lesson plans, videos, and more. This is a great site to browse for relevant and useful material for your class.. Not officially OER, but the rules for use are similar too CC licenseing. - National Association of the Deaf
The National Association of the Deaf is a great internet resource for helping students gain a better understanding of ASL, the community and culture of the deaf and hard of hearing, and grow familiar with available resources.
SPAN-111 Elementary Spanish I
Textbooks
- Libro Libre: Beginning SpanishIn 2018, Erin Huebener developed a beginner Spanish textbook focused on vocabulary, grammar, and culture. This free resource contains a variety of activities and video presentations to engage your learners.
- Elementary Spanish I
Ana Ivette Serrano developed a textbook for first year college Spanish students. This text is designed to incorporate language skills, grammar skills, and culture into the learning. Additionally, each chapter starts with a list of objectives including desired communication skills, grammar skills, and knowledge of Spanish culture. To enhance learning, students are given practical activities as well. - Introductory Spanish I
The first resource includes a series of modules focused on vocabulary, grammar, activities, reading materials, and writing assignments. Faculty resources are also provided.
Hola a Todos: Elementary Spanish I by Publication Date: 2018Grammar and vocabulary pre-class activities, lectures, and post-class homework are included.
Additional Resources
- Spanish Grammar In ContextThis next resource is solely focused on establishing strong grammar skills.
Destinos: An Introduction to Spanish by Publication Date: 1992A video instructional series in Spanish for college and high school classrooms and adult learners; 52 half-hour video programs divided into two parts (Part I programs 1-26, Part II programs 27-52). Please note: Annenberg Learner no longer sells coordinated materials, such as audiocassettes, music CDs, video and audio scripts, and coordinated books, for this series.
Destinos teaches speaking, listening, and comprehension skills in Spanish. This telenovela, or Spanish soap opera, immerses students in everyday situations with native speakers and introduces the cultures, accents, and dialects of Mexico, Spain, Argentina, and Puerto Rico. Understanding of Spanish and appreciation of many Hispanic cultures increase as students become absorbed in the mysterious and entertaining story. Closed captioning in Spanish can be used as a teaching and literacy resource.
Credits
This guide was developed by Leslie Murtha, Robert Mast, Amanda Carey, Janet Hauge, and Mike Sargente, Atlantic Cape Community College Libraries.
Published June 2020.