How to teach languages using digital tools

In today's interconnected world, mastering multiple languages has become increasingly important, not just for communication but for cultural understanding and global collaboration. As technology continues to advance, it offers educators powerful digital tools to revolutionize the way languages are taught and learned. Gone are the days of relying solely on textbooks and rote memorization. Now, with the integration of apps, interactive platforms, and online resources, language learning can be more engaging, personalized, and effective. Whether through virtual classrooms, gamified learning experiences, or AI-powered language apps, these tools are transforming traditional language instruction, this course would pave the way for a new era of education.
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The new edition of the course “Teaching languages in the digital era: the best apps, web platforms and ICT solutions for learning languages​” took place in Bologna from 05/08/2024 to 10/08/2024. The participants came from all across Europe: with Liene from Zentas Mauriņas Grobiņas vidusskola in Latvia, Madiha from Rouges Barres Junior High School in France, Karolina coming from the Polish Szkoła Podstawowa nr 5 im. Polskiej Macierzy Szkolnej w Czeladzi, Ramón, Paula and Josefa coming from CIPFP Camino de Santiago, IES AGUAS VIVAS,  and IES Rascanya Antonio Cañuelo from Spain, Monika and Velislava from the University of Mining and Geology "St. Ivan Rilski" in Bulgaria; furthermore, Heiðrún, from the Icelandic Menntaskólinn á Ísafirði, Tamás from Budapesti Egyetemi Katolikus Gimnázium és Kollégium in Hungary, and Lenka, from the Slovak Zakladna skola Kubranska 80 Trencin. Last but not least, Biljana coming from Slovenia’s University of Maribor.
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During this course the participants learnt how to use a vast range of technological tools and to put them into use by integrating it into their teaching methods. These tools are useful not only for engagement and motivation but also to monitor progress for example in vocabulary learning, communication and individual work.
Paragraph. The first day of the course focused on virtual collaboration tools; participants delved into the use of virtual whiteboards and other platforms that facilitate the sharing and organizing of ideas in real time. They compared various virtual whiteboard solutions, considering the benefits and drawbacks of each to determine which platforms best suited their teaching needs.

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Moreover, attention shifted to interactive learning games, which have proven to be highly effective in reinforcing language skills. Educators explored a range of game-based learning tools that transformed traditional exercises into engaging activities, making learning more enjoyable for students. Additionally, they experimented with multifunctional platforms offering interactive presentations, virtual quizzes, and collaborative spaces (such as Kahoot, Bamboozle, Padlet…). These platforms provided educators with the flexibility to design dynamic lessons that catered to various learning styles. The third day of the course focused on educational games, study aids, and assessment tools. Participants discovered how to use educational video games and flashcard tools to enhance language learning and retention. These resources, leveraging repetition and gamification, helped the participants to internalize new vocabulary and concepts more effectively.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education was the central theme on the fourth day. Participants discussed their opinions and cultural perspectives on AI and explored AI-powered tools that could enhance teaching strategies and personalize learning experiences. They experimented with AI-powered language learning apps, gaining insights into how these tools could adapt to students’ proficiency levels and provide customized exercises and feedback.

Finally, the course focused on creating interactive worksheets that could be customized to support various aspects of language learning. Participants learned to design worksheets that incorporated multimedia elements, such as audio clips and videos, making them more engaging than traditional paper-based worksheets. The course concluded with a period of independent exploration, during which educators revisited the tools and techniques discussed throughout the week.
By the end of the course, participants had acquired a comprehensive toolkit of apps, web platforms, and ICT solutions. They were well-prepared to transform their language teaching practices, using these digital tools to create more dynamic, personalized, and effective learning environments for their students. This course highlighted the significant potential of digital technologies in language education, offering educators new ways to engage and inspire learners in the digital era.

Discover more about this course here.