LANGO - mobile language learning project (EDEN Conference, Oslo, June 2013)
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The Lango project aims to enhance language learning for adults using innovative ICT tools, focusing on less widely taught languages like Bulgarian, Maltese, Greek, and Russian. It facilitates informal learning through engaging, mobile-based daily activities that pair language skills with cultural insights, addressing challenges in second language acquisition. The project promotes multilingualism and multicultural awareness among EU citizens while providing personalized learning experiences tailored to individual needs.
LANGO - mobile language learning project (EDEN Conference, Oslo, June 2013)
- 1. CREATIVE LANGUAGE LEARNING IN MOBILE ENVIRONMENTS: ICT SUPPORTED CREATIVITY IN THE LANGO PROJECT Dr. Alan Bruce, ULS Ireland Dr. Hedva Vital, Ha’kibbutzim College, Israel EDEN Conference Oslo, Norway 12 June 2013
- 2. Overview LANGO – project designed to explore opportunities offered by new advanced information and communication technologies in encouragement of adult learners of less widely used and taught languages. Interactive language learning approaches combined with strong intercultural components: advanced technological tools motivate language learning and give insights into culture, traditions and everyday habits.
- 3. LANGO Language On The Go: e-Calendar to Encourage Language Learning Project No 519242-LLP-1-2011-1-BG-KA2-KA2MP Target users: Adult language learners (18+) People participating in EU mobility for study and work Immigrants Other people wishing to develop their language skills in the target languages for personal reasons (cultural interest, friends, business contacts, etc.)
- 4. Challenges of second language acquisition • Modern research on challenges and issues around second language acquisition focus on developing awareness, competence and fluency • Role of ICT in building language competences, especially for learners outside formal education systems • Benefits of learning a language in informal settings • Process of communicative competence acquisition often given little attention • New technologies give opportunities to develop modern learning tools particularly in learning less widely used languages.
- 5. LANGO: Language On the Go • Innovative e-learning tool to teach learners Bulgarian, Maltese, Greek and Russian • ICT assisted language learning • Language learning through a mobile phone
- 6. Specific aims of LANGO • Enable A1 learners gradually to reach higher levels of target language • Introduce and practice frequently used language patterns • Develop communicative skills: listening comprehension, spoken interaction, spoken production, basic reading skills • Motivation: easy language input through real life communicative situations • Increase learner’s level of cultural awareness
- 7. Informing Issues • Intercultural learning is integral part of language learning and needs greater attention. • European migration patterns increase the numbers required to learn and speak another language. • Finding ways to overcome cultural differences, misunderstanding and disengagement is key component of communicative competence. • LANGO integrates cultural knowledge with language learning to develop mutual accommodation in multicultural societies. • Creates understanding, respect and dialogue.
- 8. Strategic aims • Provide immediate benefits to adult learners who want to further their competence in learning less widely used languages • Facilitate easy movement of citizens within EU higher education for purposes of further study or employment • Promote multilingual and multicultural awareness among all user groups in the longer term.
- 9. Rationale Addresses initial language learning Focuses on what people typically need or want to say in initial communication stages Integrates technology for individualized and independent learning in terms of pace, time and place (home, work, on the move, etc.) Provides access to authentic online learning material Uses applications which do not require advanced skills, providing benefits for lower academic levels Supports improvement of linguistic and digital competence at the same time
- 10. Learning principles 1) functional-notional: learning to recognize communicative functions and express concepts and ideas related to these functions 2) situational-topical principle: taking into account topics and the user needs related to the most frequent everyday communication situations
- 11. LANGO approach Language learning activities delivered in a calendar format: each daily lesson associated with a particular day of the calendar. Learner needs to allocate only 10 minutes every day of the year to maintain and build on language skills Introductory part of each lesson and the instructions are translated into English to support learners and increase comprehension.
- 12. Lesson Structure 1. Introduction – listening and recording of dialogue, short text or language patterns 2. Daily activity: matching, multiple choice, filling in blanks, etc. 3. A wordsearch game The daily wordsearch game available via Facebook widgets
- 13. Learning content • The learning content for each of the four target languages is divided between generic topics common to A1-A2 language curriculum (CEFR) and country specific culture topics. • The content is delivered inside a specifically designed template. • On the last day of the month users receive a short quiz to check how well they have learnt the monthly content. This helps users to control their progress. • Additional materials to support the learner: a short grammar reference a talking dictionary
- 14. Types of learning activities Variety of entertaining learning activities designed to motivate the learner to practice language patterns without getting bored: Multiple choice with text, sound or picture Matching pairs (text or pictures) Ordering sequences Media triggers Categorizing different language areas Listening to dialogue, recording oneself and listening to learner’s own recording Wordsearch games based on a sound trigger
- 15. www.lango.eu
- 16. Splash Screen: user sees for 5-10 seconds before going to the home screen. This shows the language that the user has downloaded
- 17. Language Screen: This is the main menu that leads the user to the 365 learning days of the year. The user enters at a certain day of the year and follows the course from that day on during an entire year.
- 18. Dimensions: Community • Change • Inclusion • Institutional legacies (such as formal schooling) • Migration • Narratives of the migrant voyage • Common connectivity
- 19. DIMENSIONS: learning • Reflective learning • Ease of access • Relevance • Applicability • Flexibility • Attractive learning architecture
- 20. Dimensions: Personal • Engagement • Link to daily life/activities • Purpose • Functionality • Worth and value • Motivation • Validation.
- 21. Contact www.lango.eu Dr. Alan Bruce abruce@ulsystems.com Dr. Hedva Vital hvital@marathon-group.net
Editor's Notes
- #13: All lessons are structured in the same way and include audio introductions, one activity per day from a choice of activities in the template (e.g. matching, multiple choice, etc.) and a daily wordsearch game.