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1. What is German Online?
German Online is a series of distance learning courses for high school students.
The students receive credit for the courses from their high school just as if
they were taking them from an onsite teacher. We offer German I, II, III, IV
and AP German.
Oklahoma State University has been offering these courses since 1985, first by
satellite and now via the Internet. During those years more than 20,000 students
from all over the country have learned German with us.
Local class sizes range from one to 25 students. The courses are intended to
fill the need for foreign language instruction when no qualified teacher is available.
2. How does the program work?
All of the courses are full year-long - or semester-long for schools on block
schedules -
5-days-a week courses. Lessons are accessible on the Internet and have links
to video, animation and sound files to practice vocabulary, explain grammar points
and introduce the culture of German-speaking countries. Most video clips and
sound files come with information sheets that students fill in as they watch
and listen. There are also computer exercises and worksheets, as well as group
and class activities for additional practice.
Our courses include weekly telephone sessions with our instructors and tutors
so that students can practice their vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation. Quizzes
and tests are taken on the Internet. Quizzes are graded by the computer, tests
are graded by our instructors.
3. What support services are available?
OSU provides toll-free 800 numbers for students, teachers and parents to call
when they have questions or need extra assistance. The German Online number connects
directly to one of our instructors. We are here Monday through Friday, 8:00 am
to 5:00 pm Central Time. Our instructors and tutors can also be reached by email.
4. How do students receive credit for these courses?
Students receive credit at their local high school, just as they would if they
were taking the course from a teacher there. Our instructors send the grades
for quizzes and tests to the local teacher who assigns report card grades for
each student.
Those students taking AP German may take the AP exam offered by The College Board
at the end of each school year. Most colleges and universities award credit for
a grade of three or better on these exams.
5. What is the role of the local teacher?
The local teacher does not need to speak German, but he or she does need to supervise
the students to make certain that they are staying on schedule and are completing
assignments. There are some activities which require group or class work under
the supervision of the teacher. Also, the local teaching partner will be responsible
for assigning the final grades for students’ report cards.
6. What happens if my child has problems understanding some of the course material?
Part of our courses are weekly phone sessions with one of our tutors for up to
five students on a speaker phone. These sessions not only give us the opportunity
to practice speaking with the students, but they also serve to find out if students
have any problems. In addition, students, teachers and parents are welcome to
call us on our 800 number (1-800-423-6493) which connects directly to one of
our instructors. We are available for questions Monday through Friday, 8:00 am
to 5:00 pm Central Time.
7. What do I do if I still have some questions?
Please call us toll-free at 1-800-423-6493, email us at
This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it
or
visit our website at http://germanonline.okstate.edu. We look forward
to hearing from you.
Sabine Lewis
Coordinator
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Program Information 
