DIGITALDEVELOPING ONLINE LANGUAGE LEARNING THROUGH NATIONAL PROJECTS – LESSONS LEARNT
1 LAB University of Applied Sciences (FINLAND)
2 Aalto University (FINLAND)
2 Aalto University (FINLAND)
About this paper:
Appears in: ICERI2023 Proceedings
Publication year: 2023
Page: 1304 (abstract only)
ISBN: 978-84-09-55942-8
ISSN: 2340-1095
doi: 10.21125/iceri.2023.0429
Publication year: 2023
Page: 1304 (abstract only)
ISBN: 978-84-09-55942-8
ISSN: 2340-1095
doi: 10.21125/iceri.2023.0429
Conference name: 16th annual International Conference of Education, Research and Innovation
Dates: 13-15 November, 2023
Location: Seville, Spain
Dates: 13-15 November, 2023
Location: Seville, Spain
Abstract:
Online language learning and teaching are nowadays a crucial part of curricula in all European higher education language centres. Digi-pedagogical know-how should accordingly be part of the toolkit of every language centre teacher. In this presentation we will offer insights into the results of several recent national development projects in online language teaching and we will also present some newer, ongoing national projects. We both have wide experience in language centre administration and in managing different development projects. Our point of view will thus be managerial. Points we will discuss include the following:1. What are the guiding principles of a successful development project?
2. How important is funding and commitment?
3. How can online courses and networks be kept alive after special funding ends?
4. What are the pros and cons of development projects?
5. Should there be positive discrimination in favour of other foreign languages besides English?
We will also present the ongoing 2digi2 project funded by the Network of Finnish Universities Language Centres (FINELC). This two-year project spanning from 2022 to 2023 involves teachers and staff from twelve language centres around Finland. The project follows up the 2digi project, which was designed to assist language centre teachers in navigating the rapidly changing digital teaching environment. In both these projects as well as in other similar projects, collaboration between teachers has played a key role in enhancing language teachers’ digi-pedagogical skills. (cf. Paesani, 2020 and Knight 2020).
References:
[1] S.W.P. Knight, “Establishing professional online communities for world language educators
Foreign Language Annals, vol. 53, no., 2, pp. 298-305, 2020 https://doi.org/10.1111/flan.12458
[2] K. Paesani “Teacher professional development and online instruction: Cultivating coherence and sustainability” Foreign Language Annals, vol. 53, no 2, pp. 292-297, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1111/flan.12468