Innovation in Language Learning

The introduction of CLIL methodology into a wide range of European school curricula, among which Italy, entails reshaping education, in order to innovate teaching strategies and meet the 21st century challenges.

Technologies can play a key role in implementing CLIL, as also recommended by the European Commission: research has shown the added value ICT can bring in terms of innovative teaching styles and better learning outcomes.

Within this framework, teacher training becomes crucial for good quality CLIL.

An example of online training initiative moderated by the authors on CLIL and ICT will be described, in order to show the wide range of competences teachers  can develop by attending this sort of training initiative. Examples of peer learning activities, processes activated and material produced during the five-week free online session will be described and detailed, in order to provide the audience with practical suggestions for a "Technology-enhanced CLIL", from a “hands-on” approach.

The online course, delivered within an international community of practice, developed from the 2014 edition registering 200 participants, to the 2016 and 2017 editions booming to 5000 participants from all over the world, mainly Italian. A comparison among the three editions will be highlighted from an instructional design perspective, also quoting some of the participants' comments. Another very important aspect of the online course will be described and commented on: the delivery of webinars, syncronous meetings with renown experts in CLIL and learning technologies.

Some of the main lessons learnt by the participants from asyncronous activities and webinars will be highlighted considering the teachers’ personal and professional enrichment.