Innovation in Language Learning

ABSTRACT

  The teaching/learning process has been made easier by the Information and Communication Technology and the present paper focuses on how students of  English as a foreign language  in a higher technical education course in “Multimedia production for the cultural heritage and museums” (organized by ITI E. Medi , S. Giorgio a Cremano, Naples and University  Federico II, Naples)   could  explore fully the possibilities of autonomous learning through the Internet and through their study of English. The primary aim of our paper is to lay emphasis on the need for an effective use of the ICT by both teachers and learners of foreign languages, using English  as a case study.

  The study focused on the innovation and change about the teaching and learning process through the use of digital devices. Students were actively engaged in their learning and could work on meaningful, real cultural heritage and museums multimedia projects in which they applied their learning. In order to produce multimedia products in the field of the cultural heritage students used their basic art and ICT  knowledge  and increased their English  through classroom training.

  Results indicated that  Innovative ICT-based activities may turn  a   flipped classroom experience into a new  model of  learning through innovative ICT practices. Students produced very interesting multimedia products and discussed them in English, showing their results to the evaluation commission so that each student had the opportunity to analyze and evaluate his/her own work and the tools used to create it as well as to evaluate his /her  level of learning.

   In conclusion, the use of educational technology in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) for language learning is still at the forefront of best practices as educators strive to build a culture that fosters innovation and revolutionizes the classroom experience. School teachers are recognized for their ability to showcase expanded and creative technology building momentum to support students in using new technology. Both students and educators consider  innovative ICT practices as a crucial way to change education successfully and represent their goals in the evolving, expanding global society.