During the Summer 2024 semester, Austin Community College’s (ACC’s) Teaching & Learning Excellence Division (TLED) hosted Charla, a Spanish language practice series that helps ACC employees gain practice and exposure to reading, writing, listening to, and speaking Spanish in support of our Latinx students. The series featured four virtual workshops held via Zoom. A “charla” can be translated as a “chat” or informal conversation. This series is aptly named since it focuses on creating a friendly, safe environment to help our ACC colleagues practice their Spanish, no matter their experience level.

Over 70 ACC faculty and staff participated in the four summer workshops, representing a diverse array of Spanish-speaking experience. The attendees varied significantly in their proficiency levels; some were fluent Spanish speakers, comfortably navigating complex conversations and nuances of the language, while others had never spoken Spanish out loud before participating in the Charla Series. This range led to a dynamic, fun learning environment.

The workshops, facilitated by TLED Associate Vice Chancellor (AVC), Dr. Susan Warner-Sanchez, created a collaborative atmosphere in which everyone, regardless of their level of proficiency, had the opportunity to grow and benefit from the collective knowledge and support of the group. Participants had the opportunity to practice their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills (via chat) during the charla.

Covering a broad and engaging array of topics including careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), micro-credentials in higher education, Capital IDEA’s Career Expressway program, and the history of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Charla sessions were designed to cater to diverse interests and professional aspirations. Topics were chosen to help support practice and experience in Spanish vocabulary specifically pertaining to higher education.

The Charla Sessions in Detail

Discussing careers in STEM were ACC Engineering Technology Adjunct Faculty member and Workforce Projects Coordinator, Rosalba Schramm, and ACC Professor in Mathematics, Juan Molina. The presenters gave participants insights into numerous opportunities and pathways in these rapidly evolving fields – all while practicing Spanish! Dr. Karina Hernandez, an ACC Digital Fluency & Innovation Associate Dean, and an ACC Computer Science and IT Professor, led a discussion on micro-credentials in higher education. The conversation delved into how these specialized qualifications can enhance one’s academic and professional profile, making it easier to acquire targeted skills and advance in one’s career.

Leading a discussion on career development and how Capital IDEA’s Career Expressway program can help students get the right degree and a great career was Capital IDEA’s Deputy Executive Director, Eva M. Rios-Lleverino. The Career Expressway program pays for tuition, textbooks, and fees, and students receive additional assistance from a Career Navigator who guides them through graduation.

Addressing the history of AI and its impact on the world today was Communications Officer, Latitud Fellow (L8), and WAGMI LATAM founding member, Monica Talan. Participants discussed ways that AI has advanced over the years as well as ideas for how they are currently implementing it into the classroom and how they plan to continue to do so to elevate learning. One participant even described that he uses AI within his coursework to allow students a unique opportunity to interview a person of history. By prompting the AI tool to simulate the person in question, students were able to ask interview-style questions and gain deeper insights into the figure’s historical significance.

By discussing these subjects in a supportive learning atmosphere, the Charla series effectively equipped attendees with practical knowledge and skills to advance in their academic and professional journeys. Individuals at all levels of Spanish proficiency, from beginners to advanced speakers, could actively engage, share insights, and learn from one another.

“I took many years of Spanish in high school and college, but without regular practice, I have been slowly losing my vocabulary. It makes me so nervous to speak in front of others. Charla was such a lovely opportunity to listen to and speak Spanish in a friendly, supportive setting. I hope to attend many more because I know it will help improve my Spanish confidence. Everyone was willing to help,” attendee and ACC Professor of Psychology, Missi Patterson said. The collaborative nature of the workshops enhanced individual growth and strengthened the overall learning experience.

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