Michael Orlando, Ed.D.
Director of Academic Affairs, Spanish and Methodology Instructor
Dr. Michael Orlando investigates the nexus between the World Readiness Standards, Modes of Communication, and contemporary second language methodology and pedagogy in order to bring the language classroom alive. A teacher of Spanish language, literature, and culture since 2006, Dr. Orlando has served as a World Languages Department chair, an Assistant Principal leading faculty/staff professional development, and currently as a high school Principal.
Dr. Orlando holds a B.A. in Spanish from Saint Anselm College, an M.A. in Hispanic Studies from Simmons University, and an Ed.D. in Curriculum, Teaching, Leadership, and Learning from Northeastern University. Dr. Orlando has taught AP Spanish Literature and Culture, AP Spanish Language and Culture, Advanced Spanish Conversation, Cinema, and Literature, and other levels of Spanish. Currently an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Education at Saint Anselm College, he teaches the Methods of Teaching Modern Languages course to student teachers during their practicum experience. At Idioma Education and Consulting, Dr. Orlando is the Director of Academic Affairs and oversees the graduate program, course development, and supervises instructors.
Dr. Orlando’s research interests include teacher professional development, second language acquisition theory and practice, and instructional technology in the language classroom. He has presented on these research interests at various conference sessions at ACTFL, NECTFL, and MaFla.
Join me in one of my courses!
Course Description
Come explore the literary and creative genius of Miguel de Cervantes’ renowned masterpiece El ingenioso hidalgo Don Quijote de la Mancha. Participants in this course will examine Part One (most often studied in the middle and secondary classroom) of the work paying special attention to Cervantes’ development of Quijote’s character within the historical and social context of the time. Some of the themes explored - personal identity, literary style, humor, societal values, traditions - will help participants understand why this masterpiece is considered the first modern novel of the time. Close reading analysis and analytical writing will help the course participants enhance literacy skills. As teachers, participants will gain a better understanding of how to approach the instruction of El Quijote in their own classes at different proficiency levels. Supplemental resources will provide course participants with ideas for their own learning and classroom practice. Conducted in Spanish.
What Participants Are Saying About This Course
”Excellent course. Thank you for making this course engaging, interesting and relevant. Excellent instructing, it's obvious he loves to teach.”
Course Delivery
Instructor-Facilitated
Online asynchronous (no live sessions) coursework
Weekly learning modules to complete at your own pace
Collaborative discussion boards
Instructor feedback
Optional office hours with the instructor for additional support
Students in an instructor-facilitated course must adhere to the session start and end dates listed on the website. Final coursework must be submitted within one week after the course end date. Course extensions beyond one week are subject to a $50 fee.
Course Access Information
Your Idioma Schoology course invitation will be emailed one week prior to the start of an instructor-facilitated 6-week course. You may access the Idioma Schoology login from the Login > Idioma Schoology Login dropdown menu at www.idiomaconsulting.com.
Required Texts
There is no required textbook for this course. All materials are digital and will be provided in the online course.
About the Instructor
Dr. Michael Orlando, Instructor. Read more about Michael here.
Click here to request a syllabus.
Course Description
This course is designed to introduce teachers to ACTFL’s Core Practice of teaching grammar as a concept and in context. Participants in this course will start by learning about the research and theories behind implicit and explicit grammar instruction from experts in language acquisition. Participants will also learn more about what it means to choose grammatical concepts in the context of a thematic unit as it pertains to a communicative goal. A special emphasis will be placed on strategies to implement implicit grammar instruction with students through the PACE Model. In this course, participants will share ideas for implementing PACE model lessons and also discuss the benefits and challenges of teaching grammar implicitly in classes. Conducted in English.
What Participants Are Saying About This Course
"The feedback was really helpful and made me feel like I was on track with what I was learning which in an online course can be difficult to feel many times. Thank you!"
"This was an excellent course. I love how each week built on the previous week and we ended up with a great final product to use in our own classes by the end of the course."
Course Delivery
Instructor-Facilitated
Online asynchronous (no live sessions) coursework
Weekly learning modules to complete at your own pace
Collaborative discussion boards
Instructor feedback
Optional office hours with the instructor for additional support
Students in an instructor-facilitated course must adhere to the session start and end dates listed on the website. Final coursework must be submitted within one week after the course end date. Course extensions beyond one week are subject to a $50 fee.
Course Access Information
Your Idioma Schoology course invitation will be emailed one week prior to the start of an instructor-facilitated 6-week course. You may access the Idioma Schoology login from the Login > Idioma Schoology Login dropdown menu at www.idiomaconsulting.com.
Required Text
There is no required textbook for this course. All materials are digital and will be provided in the online course.
About the Instructor
Dr. Michael Orlando, Instructor. Read more about Michael here.
Click here to request a syllabus.
Course Description
The study of Hispanic poetry represents a fundamental aspect of the curriculum of any Spanish class. Poetic analysis is among one of the more challenging aspects of literary studies for students and instructors alike. In this course, participants will read and analyze poetry of the Spanish-speaking world across different historical periods, literary movements, and themes. In addition, this course will offer participants strategies and techniques for teaching poetry to students in the Pre-Advanced Placement classroom and in the AP Spanish Language and Culture and AP Spanish Literature and Culture classrooms. Special attention will be given to the literary analysis using poetic devices as a way to explicate different themes in poetry. Course participants will review the curricular underpinnings of the AP course frameworks and gain a solid understanding as to how poetry allows individuals to express their inner being. Conducted in Spanish with some readings in English.
What Participants Are Saying About This Course
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Course Delivery
Instructor-Facilitated
Online asynchronous (no live sessions) coursework
Weekly learning modules to complete at your own pace
Collaborative discussion boards
Instructor feedback
Optional office hours with the instructor for additional support
Students in an instructor-facilitated course must adhere to the session start and end dates listed on the website. Final coursework must be submitted within one week after the course end date. Course extensions beyond one week are subject to a $50 fee.
Course Access Information
Your Idioma Schoology course invitation will be emailed one week prior to the start of an instructor-facilitated 6-week course. You may access the Idioma Schoology login from the Login > Idioma Schoology Login dropdown menu at www.idiomaconsulting.com.
Required Text
There is no required textbook for this course. All materials are digital and will be provided in the online course.
About the Instructor
Dr. Michael Orlando, Instructor. Read more about Michael here.
Click here to request a syllabus.
Course Description
The study of the Hispanic short story represents a fundamental aspect of the curriculum of any Spanish class. Reading and interpreting literature (prose) can present a challenge students at any level. In this course, participants will read and analyze short stories of the Spanish-speaking world across different historical periods, literary movements, and themes. In addition, this course will offer participants strategies and techniques for teaching the short story to students in the Pre-Advanced Placement classroom and in the Advanced Placement Spanish Language and Culture and Advanced Placement Spanish Literature and Culture classrooms. Special attention will be given to the literary analysis using literary figures as a way to explicate different themes in the works. Course participants will review the curricular underpinnings of the Advanced Placement course frameworks and gain a solid understanding as to how the short story allows enables writers to present the social and political issues of their time while developing their creative genius. Conducted in Spanish with some readings in English.
What participants are saying about this course
“I really enjoyed this class and found it to be the most intellectually challenging of any graduate courses I’ve taken. I really appreciated how much sharing between peers there was and the professor’s weekly audio summary of our key topics.”
Course Delivery
Instructor-Facilitated
Online asynchronous (no live sessions) coursework
Weekly learning modules to complete at your own pace
Collaborative discussion boards
Instructor feedback
Optional office hours with the instructor for additional support
Students in an instructor-facilitated course must adhere to the session start and end dates listed on the website. Final coursework must be submitted within one week after the course end date. Course extensions beyond one week are subject to a $50 fee.
Course Access Information
Your Idioma Schoology course invitation will be emailed one week prior to the start of an instructor-facilitated 6-week course. You may access the Idioma Schoology login from the Login > Idioma Schoology Login dropdown menu at www.idiomaconsulting.com.
Required Text
There is no required textbook for this course. All materials are digital and will be provided in the online course.
About the Instructor
Dr. Michael Orlando, Instructor. Read more about Michael here.
Click here to request a syllabus.
Course Description
This online course will explore a variety of cultural aspects of the Spanish-speaking world through thematic units and global themes. The focus of this course is for in-service Spanish teachers to practice their own speaking skills in both the synchronous virtual setting (1 hour per week for 6 weeks on Wednesdays from 1:00pm-2:00pm ET for the summer session and 7:00pm-8:00pm ET for the winter session) and the asynchronous virtual setting via instructional technology applications. The course uses a variety of authentic texts - literature, video, music - allowing participants to practice their language skills while developing strategies to enhance conversation at each proficiency level in their own classrooms. Conducted in Spanish.
What Participants Are Saying About This Course
"I thought the coursework was very well aligned with the expectations and that all the assignments were relevant and helpful. The only issue I ran into was with the course running into the start of my school year, but the teacher was very flexible with my schedule which was very much appreciated!"
"This is one of the best online courses I have taken. The online setup is well organized, expectations were clear, activities and assignments were manageable and relevant, and the instructor was very helpful and led the class well."
Course Delivery
Instructor-Facilitated
Online asynchronous coursework with weekly synchronous virtual sessions
Weekly learning modules to complete at your own pace
Collaborative discussion boards
Instructor feedback
Optional office hours with the instructor for additional support
Students in an instructor-facilitated course must adhere to the session start and end dates listed on the website. Final coursework must be submitted within one week after the course end date. Course extensions beyond one week are subject to a $50 fee.
Course Access Information
Your Idioma Schoology course invitation will be emailed one week prior to the start of an instructor-facilitated 6-week course. You may access the Idioma Schoology login from the Login > Idioma Schoology Login dropdown menu at www.idiomaconsulting.com.
Required Text
There is no required textbook for this course. All materials are digital and will be provided in the online course.
About the Instructor
Dr. Michael Orlando, Instructor. Read more about Michael here.
Click here to request a syllabus.
Course Description
This writing seminar is designed to help Spanish teachers enhance their presentational writing skills using the advanced placement global themes. In an attempt to achieve this goal, participants will examine the various writing genres that most often appear in the Spanish L2 classroom setting: description, narration, exposition, argumentation, and academic writing. Using a diverse body of literary and cultural readings as models, participants will analyze specific writing styles in an attempt to hone their own writing skills. Special attention will be given to the AP Spanish Language and Culture Global Themes as a way to inspire student writing samples. The ACTFL 5 Cs will also inspire participants to design lesson activities that can be used in their own curricular practice. Conducted in Spanish .
What Participants Are Saying About This Course
"I liked the making of lesson plans and the expressive writing tasks. These activities helped me better understand the various styles of writing. I also enjoyed the topics for each of the readings. They caused me to consider some new perspectives on important topics."
Course Delivery
Instructor-Facilitated
Online asynchronous (no live sessions) coursework
Weekly learning modules to complete at your own pace
Collaborative discussion boards
Instructor feedback
Optional office hours with the instructor for additional support
Students in an instructor-facilitated course must adhere to the session start and end dates listed on the website. Final coursework must be submitted within one week after the course end date. Course extensions beyond one week are subject to a $50 fee.
Course Access Information
Your Idioma Schoology course invitation will be emailed one week prior to the start of an instructor-facilitated 6-week course. You may access the Idioma Schoology login from the Login > Idioma Schoology Login dropdown menu at www.idiomaconsulting.com.
Required Text
There is no required textbook for this course. All materials are digital and will be provided in the online course.
About the Instructor
Dr. Michael Orlando, Instructor. Read more about Michael here.
Click here to request a syllabus.
Course Description
This course focuses on the skills and strategies that teachers, teacher leaders, department chairs, curriculum coordinators, and curriculum supervisors need in order to develop and sustain an effective standards-based world languages program. Utilizing the World Readiness Standards, the Can-Do Statements, Proficiency Benchmarks, and other documents presented by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), participants in this course will examine how curriculum development, assessment strategies, and technology integration align a program with proficiency standards. Additionally, participants will analyze how teacher recruitment and retention, teacher observation and supervision, and teacher professional development establish purposeful programs oriented toward standard-based language education. Conducted in English.
What participants are saying about this course
"I feel the level of work was appropriate and the content was a thoughtful blend of areas that are so important to our profession."
"I was quite pleased with the class. The course was well designed and relevant. I really enjoyed that I could apply everything in the course to what I am currently doing."
Course Delivery
Instructor-Facilitated
Online asynchronous (no live sessions) coursework
Weekly learning modules to complete at your own pace
Collaborative discussion boards
Instructor feedback
Optional office hours with the instructor for additional support
Students in an instructor-facilitated course must adhere to the session start and end dates listed on the website. Final coursework must be submitted within one week after the course end date. Course extensions beyond one week are subject to a $50 fee.
Course Access Information
Your Idioma Schoology course invitation will be emailed one week prior to the start of an instructor-facilitated 6-week course. You may access the Idioma Schoology login from the Login > Idioma Schoology Login dropdown menu at www.idiomaconsulting.com.
Required Textbook
About the Instructor
Dr. Michael Orlando, Instructor. Read more about Michael here.
Click here to request a syllabus.
PLEASE NOTE: This course is not applicable for registration discounts as part of the New Jersey Alternate Route Licensure Program.
Course Description
This course focuses on current second language teaching methodology and pedagogy utilizing the standards presented by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) in order to develop various performance-based assessment strategies using Integrated Performance Assessment to Develop Student Proficiency. Participants will review theory and research related to these ACTFL standards while exploring ways to integrate these principles into formative and summative assessment strategies. Special attention will be given to the understanding and development of Integrated Performance Assessment (IPA) in order to help students acquire 21st century learning skills. Through interactive activities with classmates, participants in this course will discuss the purpose, rationale, and development of assessment strategies in an attempt to create an authentic assessment and learning environment for their students. Conducted in English.
What participants are saying about this course
"I am learning so much and tweaking things I already do and adding new things in to current work. It is amazing! I can't wait to implement things next year!"
Course Delivery
Instructor-Facilitated
Online asynchronous (no live sessions) coursework
Weekly learning modules to complete at your own pace
Collaborative discussion boards
Instructor feedback
Optional office hours with the instructor for additional support
Students in an instructor-facilitated course must adhere to the session start and end dates listed on the website. Final coursework must be submitted within one week after the course end date. Course extensions beyond one week are subject to a $50 fee.
Course Access Information
Your Idioma Schoology course invitation will be emailed one week prior to the start of an instructor-facilitated 6-week course. You may access the Idioma Schoology login from the Login > Idioma Schoology Login dropdown menu at www.idiomaconsulting.com.
Required Texts
About the Instructor
Dr. Michael Orlando, Instructor. Read more about Michael here.
Click here to request a syllabus.
PLEASE NOTE: This course is not applicable for registration discounts as part of the New Jersey Alternate Route Licensure Program.
This course is approved by the New Jersey Department of Education to meet the required language acquisition course for 3 graduate-level credits through Colorado State University Pueblo.
Course Description
This course focuses on current second language teaching methodology and pedagogy utilizing the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) construct of the five C’s (Communication, Culture, Connections, Communities, and Comparisons) and the three communication modes (Interpretive, Interpersonal, and Presentational) of language learning. Participants will review theory and research related to these ACTFL standards while exploring ways to integrate these standards into unit and lesson plans. Special attention will be given to language competencies needed to help P-12 students develop 21st century learning skills. Along with colleagues, participants in this course will discuss the purpose, rationale, and development of language curriculum in an attempt to convey to their students the importance of learning a language beyond their own. Conducted in English.
What Participants Are Saying About This Course
"The class was very informative and allowed me to put what I learned into action through lessons plans and assessments. I would highly recommend this course to other world language teachers."
Course Delivery:
Instructor-Facilitated
Online asynchronous (no live sessions) coursework
Weekly learning modules to complete at your own pace
Collaborative discussion boards
Instructor feedback
Optional office hours with the instructor for additional support
Students in an instructor-facilitated course must adhere to the session start and end dates listed on the website. Final coursework must be submitted within one week after the course end date. Course extensions beyond one week are subject to a $50 fee.
Course Access Information
Your Idioma Schoology course invitation will be emailed one week prior to the start of an instructor-facilitated 6-week course. You may access the Idioma Schoology login from the Login > Idioma Schoology Login dropdown menu at www.idiomaconsulting.com.
Required Text
World-Readiness Standards for Learning Languages 4th Edition (2015).
About the Instructor
Dr. Michael Orlando, Instructor. Read more about Michael here.
Click here to request a syllabus.
PLEASE NOTE: This course is not applicable for registration discounts as part of the New Jersey Alternate Route Licensure Program.
Course Description
This course focuses on current second language teaching methodology and pedagogy addressing the topic of Intercultural Communicative Competence (ICC). Utilizing the World Readiness Standards presented by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) and the NCSSFL-ACTFL Can-Do Statements pertaining to ICC, participants in this course will study how the development of linguistic competence and cultural awareness leads to successful communication and awareness. Students will learn how to create lessons and assessments that incorporate and relate cultural products and practices to cultural perspectives. Using the ICC framework, students will gain deeper insight into interpreting cultural contexts, interacting in these contexts, cultivating curiosity and openness to the target culture, and reflecting critically on their own cultural context. Conducted in English.
What Participants Are Saying About This Course
"I am truly happy I took this course. It allowed me to expand my thinking and educated me on how to incorporate culture into lessons constantly and consistently rather than periodically. Embedding culture into lessons will be a rewarding experience for all parties during this remote learning and could nave come at a better time. The weekly reflections and written feedback was exceptional."
Course Delivery
Instructor-Facilitated
Online asynchronous (no live sessions) coursework
Weekly learning modules to complete at your own pace
Collaborative discussion boards
Instructor feedback
Optional office hours with the instructor for additional support
Students in an instructor-facilitated course must adhere to the session start and end dates listed on the website. Final coursework must be submitted within one week after the course end date. Course extensions beyond one week are subject to a $50 fee.
Course Access Information
Your Idioma Schoology course invitation will be emailed one week prior to the start of an instructor-facilitated 6-week course. You may access the Idioma Schoology login from the Login > Idioma Schoology Login dropdown menu at www.idiomaconsulting.com.
Required Text
About the Instructor
Dr. Michael Orlando, Instructor. Read more about Michael here.
Click here to request a syllabus.
PLEASE NOTE: This course is not applicable for registration discounts as part of the New Jersey Alternate Route Licensure Program.