Innovation in Language Learning

The project involves the creation of an open educational resource (OER) for French grammar through the setting up of a website which hosts a corpus of grammar areas that are explained in detail, and accompanied by numerous exercises, activities and tests that reinforce the particular points covered. The resource is designed in an engaging and interactive format while easily and readily accessible via mobile platforms.  It covers all areas of grammar needed for supporting year 1 undergraduate students’ progress in their learning of French. The resource is the result of a collaborative project between three institutes of technology in Ireland. It provides multiple means of engagement which is paramount for success and retention of students, especially enhancing the difficult 1st year experience at third-level. The resource started with the creation of a textbook dedicated to making French grammar accessible to learners at Third Level. It encompasses 10 units of clearly divided topics each of which poses particular problems to students of French. It introduces an original fictional story which provides the basis for the grammar points. It follows a fictional character on his journey through France on the 'Tour de France'. A simple, yet engaging storyline which brings the learner through the numerous difficulties and specificities of the French language while providing a light entertainment and an incentive to continue on the grammatical journey. The resource integrates a playful and engaging approach through the process of gamification of assessments whereby choice and autonomy are embedded as well as inciting sustained effort, persistence and self-regulation. Just like in a video-game, the progress for each unit is regulated by a score and the learner (or player) is able to move through the story by successfully completing grammatical 'missions'. Although traditional in content, the resource incorporates up-to-date technologies so that students have the impression that the virtual world they are navigating is one that appeals to them and will thus add to their enjoyment of what normally is considered a chore – that is, grammar acquisition. The resource supports student engagement and self-directed language learning.

The presentation will outline the background to the institutes’ collaboration, briefly introduce the resource itself and explore some key online instructional design concerns. It will also provide an overview of the challenges encountered in developing such a resource with minimal funding and provide advice for anyone wishing to embark on a similar project. It also hopes to be in a position to report on initial feedback from students.