Abstract:

Nowadays, learners demand greater autonomy and flexibility in terms of time, place and pace of learning; these expectations have led to the development of e-learning systems, especially during the COVID-19 crisis. Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL) has offered users new ways of supporting the foreign language learning process; its evolution depends not only in the progress of telecommunications, but also in transformations, in the fields of teaching and learning.

The aim of this presentation is to describe the methodological steps taken in order to define the main design features of a mobile app that aim to offer users interactive learner experience in authentic environments and support communication in an innovative way.

Greece has always been an attractive destination for tourists and many of them are trying to articulate some words in Greek (hello, thanks, etc.) as an expression of positive feelings towards the locals. In order to enhance this tendency and boost their confidence when they attempt to speak in Greek, in various communicative situations, we decided to design an innovative app aiming at developing learner communicative skills.

At first, we conducted a market research for similar applications and analyzed the possibilities they offer so as to highlight the good practices and bridge the gaps that remain in this area. It was found that none of the existing apps constitute an adequate solution for a foreigner who is looking for a handy app to use when trying to communicate in Greek.

After having examined the existing apps, we designated the main features of this app, i.e. the target group, the way it will be used, the type and quantity of the language material as well as the tools that will best support this material. The language material has been selected carefully as a result of a needs analysis of foreigners visiting Greece. Users access the material by selecting the place and the communicative situation they want to participate in, in order to speak Greek with confidence.

To facilitate learning, multimedia and other technological means have been incorporated: translation in the mother tongue of the user, illustrations, audio recordings by professionals, phonetic transcription, voice recording tool which allows users to record their voice and compare it to the native speaker, as well as a search tool from Greek and English that facilitates access to the language material.

All the above steps resulted in the development of a mobile app addressed to all foreigners who visit Greece, both beginners and advanced learners, irrespective of their level of Greek. Beginners can develop their basic reading skills in Greek by studying the alphabet, letter combinations and stress forms. All foreigners, of any level, can develop their listening and speaking skills by using specific words or expressions and by participating in conversations taking place on hotel premises and around the city. The app is suitable for real time use with the employees in hotels and commercial stores who then play the role of facilitators in a communicative situation. Moreover, the app can be used for self-learning and users can practice Greek anytime, anywhere, not only during their stay in Greece but also in preparation of their trip and after returning to their home country. In this sense, our app contributes significantly not only to establish human contact but also to support the dissemination of the Greek language.

Keywords:

MALL, foreign language learning, mobile app.