Abstract:

A!OLE (Aalto Online Learning) is a strategic development project at the Aalto University, Finland. Launched in 2016, the A!OLE project is designed to advance the digitalization of learning at Aalto University by developing novel e-learning solutions and pedagogical models for online and blended learning. The outcomes of the A!OLE project will be used for disseminating best practices and models within a wider learning community. This presentation will show how flipped learning is transforming language teaching in German.

Digitalization of language teaching/learning is a complex process. The role of the teacher and the student change, and traditional practices need new approaches for online learning settings. The presentation outlines pros and cons of the paradigm shift. Our students currently have only one face-to-face lesson per week. Flipped learning methods offer a large component of the course in an online environment allowing students to study autonomously at their own pace. Online module offers diverse, communicative content that is closer to lively classroom work than traditional web exercises.

Online and blended models enable our students to more flexibly leverage the benefits of a flipped classroom approach. Therefore, there is more classroom time for communicative interaction, thereby maximizing opportunities for students to brush up their oral skills in a group scenario. The goal is to initiate a long-term paradigm shift in learning culture in German courses.

Keywords:

Flipped learning, communicative interaction, online learning, blended learning.