DIGI-LINGO: Guidelines for digital foreign language learning and teaching and virtual pupils’ exchange

06/09/2024

The DIGI-LINGO project has recently published didactic and pedagogical guidelines for teachers on implementing digital tools in foreign language teaching in upper secondary education, along with recommendations for policymakers in Europe. These guidelines and recommendations are designed to help teachers optimise the use of new digital possibilities in their daily teaching practices and are based on a scientific literature review as well as the results of questionnaires completed by teachers and students.

The project emphasises the importance of adapting traditional teaching methods to the digital environment, ensuring that learners remain motivated and supported throughout their language learning journey. These guidelines cover a range of topics, including the integration of interactive platforms, the use of digital resources for language practice, and strategies for fostering student engagement, skills, and competencies through technology. 

The report concludes with questions based on the content of this document, intended to stimulate discussion among foreign language teachers within their own schools and across other schools. Finally, it serves as a handy tool and a stepping stone for the organisational model designed to support digital language teaching and virtual exchange, which will be launched soon.

Find the guidelines here

Why Publish These Guidelines?

Foreign language education has faced numerous challenges in recent years, from declining interest among students to the rapid advancement of technology. The DIGI-LINGO project seeks to address these challenges by offering evidence-based strategies for integrating digital technology into language education. Our guidelines provide foreign language teachers, school administrators, and policymakers with practical, research-backed recommendations to help students thrive in a digital learning environment. 

The DIGI-LINGO guidelines focus on key areas such as the professional development of teachers, emphasizing skills development to leverage digital tools, student engagement and collaboration, self-regulated learning, and democratic and inclusive learning. The guidelines are broad, inclusive, and practical—designed to be immediately deployable in the classroom.