Innovation in Language Learning

The paper will focus on the potential of learning technologies for CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning), as recommended by the European Commission and as shown in the international literature review.

Some of the best known definitions and features of learning technologies will be  discussed, considering different frameworks from recent literature and the wide range of applications for both language learning and CLIL.

A quick overview of the state of art of CLIL provision in Europe will be also outlined, pointing out the innovative aspects of this methodology, which is considered by the European Commission as a driving force of success and quality in education.

Moving from this theoretical background, some practical examples will be provided to show how learning technologies can positively impact students' learning outcomes and teachers' professional development and growth.

In particular, an introduction to the Italian background, concerning CLIL will be provided and some projects carried out by Italian school networks funded by the Italian Ministry of Education will be described, highlighting the different kinds of formats adopted by the schools for implementing innovative CLIL: digital contents, ebooks, ecards, platforms and websites, extensive reading for CLIL, etc.

The projects will be described within the framework of a recent monitoring report conducted by INDIRE on behalf of the Ministry, in order to investigate the outcomes and the reactions of schools towards the "CLIL revolution" in Italy, collecting and analyzing in particular, examples of good practices and material produced by the schools with the use of learning technologies for CLIL.

Keywords: CLIL, ICT, teacher training, online training, learning technologies