The Hindu Business Line : Alliance Francaise plans e-school

TARGETING professionals who do not have time to attend foreign language classes, Chennai's Alliance Francaise has lined up `Click on French', an online course.

The six-month programme, costing Rs 4,500, offers French lessons, both oral and written, for beginners.

"The course is meant for working people who are unable to attend French classes regularly and those living far away from Alliance Francaise's branches," says Mr Karl Cogard, the course director.

`Click on French' has an edge over other online courses as a tutor is provided for every 10 students and optional contact classes are on offer, claims Ms Sunita Nichani, a faculty member who co-authored the course structure.

And that's not all. About 2,000 sound files will be put up on the site, www.clickonfrench.com, to help candidates practise spoken French. Along with grammar guides and an online forum, cultural tips will be listed to help candidates familiarise themselves with French customs.

A phone-teaching service is available for Rs 2,000 wherein each 20-minute call made by the candidate to the tutor will be charged. Candidates passing the exam at the end of the course will be certified by Alliance Francaise. Attestation will be provided for those who do not pass or attend the exam.

"As a result of globalisation, there has been a change in our clientele in the last few years. About 60 per cent of our students are learning French for professional reasons," says Mr Cogard.Alliance Francaise has conducted classes at the campuses of Wipro, e-serve and Satyam, and European companies such as Saipem, Alstom and Calyon.

But since company employees are often tied up with meetings and projects, it came up with this online initiative, says Ms Nichani.

This will help professionals learn French at their own pace. Alliance Francaise will also promote its e-learning tool in small towns for hoteliers and corporate officials.

Cogard recalls how during his recent trip to Kumarakom, the hotel staff told him of the difficulty they faced communicating with French tourists.

It will first be launched in South India in August, followed by nationwide and international launches in phases.

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page