DIGI-LINGO Releases First Insights Into The Future of Language Learning

25/09/2023

The DIGI-LINGO project aims to explore the capabilities of digital environments to enhance language learning. It foresees to identify good digital and virtual teaching practices in foreign language classes, analyse them and provide recommendations based on this analysis. In the first phase of the project, the primary objective is to understand what factors influence successful foreign language instruction. To answer this question, we established a theoretical framework for comprehensive language teaching and identified several relevant factors.

The second step consisted of conducting a survey among teachers and students based on the theoretical framework. The questionnaire covered the Pluriliteracies Teaching for Deeper Learning model factors, interculturality, and the impact of digital tools. It was conducted in four countries - Belgium, Denmark, Norway and The Basque Country.

As a step three, we analysed the results of the survey and identified best practices and areas for improvement. Our approach combined quantitative analysis for percentages, means, medians, and statistical tests and qualitative analysis to address our primary research question.

Lastly, we provide country-specific recommendations categorized into three subsections:

1) the four dimensions that form the PTDL model (Pluriliteracies Teaching for Deeper Learning),

2) digital tools in FL (Foreign Language) teaching and learning and

3) significant differences among teachers' and students' perspective in each school.

Going forward, the project’s objectives include developing new teaching guidelines for digital language learning, designing easily accessible methods for virtual language exchange, and ensuring the sustainability of the model at regional levels. At present, the project is focused on upper-secondary students, but in time, it intends to become applicable across educational levels and countries.

DIGI-LINGO is funded by the European Commission’s ERASMUS+ programme and implemented by Central Denmark Region (DK), Vestland Fylkeskommune (NO), Kristau Eskola (The Basque Country), Het Gemeenschapsonderwijs (GO!) (BE) and European Schoolnet (BE).