Learning German in Blended modus: Experiences with the Brazilian Language Learning program „Languages without borders - German“

Abstract

In view of the increasing use of digital media in foreign language teaching, this article outlines challenges and opportunities of the blended learning concept using the example of the program Idiomas sem Fronteiras (“Language without Borders”), which offers online German courses with online and face-to-face tutoring since 2016 in Brazilian universities. A study with 228 participants of the program in 2019 provides empirical results about this concept of learning in higher education in Brazil. The analysis of the collected data leads to a reflection upon the didactic implementation of blended learning courses.

Keywords:
Blended learning; German as a Foreign Language; Universities; Brazil