My name is Dana Jakubowski and I'll be your instructor (der Lehrer).

First of all, let me assure you that if you complete all of the assignments and participate in the activities that I have prepared for you - on a regular basis -, you will learn just as much German as if you were in a regular class. Keep in mind that you'll need quite a bit of patience until you get the hang of how all of this works online, but I promise it will be quite easy very soon. Please, call me if you have problems -
Stay in touch so that I know that you are participating.

Make a folder on your hard drive to save your work.
By creating a folder for your homework (die Hausaufgaben), you will know exactly where all of your semester work is and be able to access it easily, copy it or files within it, and send it to me via email.

If you don't know how to do this, or anything else concerning the course for that matter, please feel free to call me and I will talk you through it. I want you to succeed and I am very willing to help you!
If you do not have basic computer experience, I will be glad to help you learn. By the end of the course you will understand basic German as well as computer basics

What you need:
A computer with an Internet connection (preferably windows OS with Internet Explorer browser) a microphone, speakers or headphones, a CD player, an email address, and basic computer skills. An intense desire to learn German is also very helpful.

Text: Kontakte 5th Edition
Workbook: Arbeitsheft Kontakte 5th Edition

A stand alone CD (Dasher Kontakte 5th Edition will soon be available in the language lab).
The Dasher CD is very interactive and will be a great help for comprehension practice, reviewing homework, vocabulary and writing exercises.
I will assign lessons to be completed on the interactive Dasher CD and subsequently emailed to me.
This semester there is a McGraw Hill German web site that can be accessed by using the serial number in your text book.

Check Out The Links Below (click on the underlined links):
Objective: to get familiar with the web site.

Click Here to go to the Arbeitsheft sound files that are to be used to complete the exercises in the Workbook.

Modules: Here you will find interactive practice exercises, quizzes and more information on grammar usw (etc.).

Homework: Go to the homework page (die Hausaufgaben) to get information on assignments and due dates.

Keep up with the homework schedule - Don't fall behind!
The homework assignment can be accessed on the homepage under the link Hausaufgaben.
Self-discipline is a must for online learning. It is easy to procrastinate and put off the work until the last minute, but don't let that happen.

Make yourself a schedule and stick to it. You will need to allow approximately 6 hours a week. That's less than 1 hour per day. Each module, or chapter, will take about two weeks to complete.

Familiarize yourself with the structure of the textbook and online-sound files for theArbeitsheft.
Browse through both books.
Be sure to find the dictionary in the back of the text. Also take a look at the appendices, verb charts, etc.
We also have an online-dictionary; the link to it is on the homepage.

My email address is: djakubo@cox.net
My phone number is (805) 682-5587

After we get everything up and running, you'll need to contact other students in our virtual classroom for group work (Use the phone, email or PalTalk).

Our entire class will also meet on PalTalk once a week on (TBA). PalTalk is a requirement, not an option.

Soon, I will display a list of student email addresses and put a link to them on the homepage. If you do not want to give out your personal email address, get a hotmail or yahoo account to be used just for the class. Keep a log of your homework and your contact with other students.

I will post homework assignments links (Hausaufgaben) on the Homepage and any important messages on the Announcements link, also located on the homepage.

Office Hours:
We'll have virtual office hours. (TBA) For now, use email or phone me and I will get back to you within 24 hours.

2 Projects: We will complete two class projects during the semester. I will announce in advance what you must do and when it is to be finished.

Check the Annoucements link every day.

Our primary goals in Einführung A
• to listen to German and begin learning to bind meaning with the words you hear
• to learn to use listening strategies by paying attention to key words and context
• to build vocabulary and basic grammar
• to become acquainted with your "virtual classmates," teacher, and materials used in the course.

Course Learning Objectives
• At the end of this course, you will be able to: speak, read, write and understand basic German.