Abstract:

Digital technologies are increasingly being used in modern education, inter alia in relation to remote learning, which became a necessity in the Czech Republic and elsewhere in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Despite the maturity of the educational system, however, it became apparent during this time that there is a lack of digital content in the Czech Republic that could either replace traditional forms of instruction entirely or serve as a suitable supplement to them. Digital content in this context means electronic educational materials, which are expected to provide high-quality elaboration of the given topic as well as an appealing graphic design, clarity and interactivity.

The issue of absent or inadequate digital educational content was noted e.g. in the results of a survey conducted among Czech educators in late 2020. The survey focused on teaching about dialects, which is a topic that pupils are required to become familiar with as part of the Czech language and literature subject area. The survey looked at textbooks used in dialect education as well as other possible materials used to deepen pupils’ understanding of the content. The respondents’ level of awareness about recent Czech dialectology findings was also explored as well as their interest in training by employees of the Department of Dialectology (Czech Language Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences) and/or lectures or workshops for pupils. A number of projects have been developed, both by the Department of Dialectology itself and through its collaborative efforts with other entities, which may find practical application in dialect education. The Department has developed interactive aids and applications for teachers that are readily accessible on the Internet. Various material formats are available, e.g. maps, audio recordings and specialized dictionaries. Systematic incorporation of these materials into traditional education may make it easier for pupils to understand the given content, while also enlivening and interactively linking it to knowledge in other disciplines. The dialect geoportal, which is currently under development through the project an interactive approach to Czech language dialects, also provides a unique form of support. The specific outcomes and their applicability in education are presented in the submitted article.

Keywords:

Remote learning, open education, digital educational content, interactive teaching material, interdisciplinarity, Czech dialectology, dictionary, language atlas.