Innovation in Language Learning

Mobile computing/communication devices have been flourishing for the last ten years bringing about changes in all sectors of our life: communication, employment, mobility, art, knowledge or learning. A new form of learning was born: mobile learning defined as the intersection of mobile computing and e-learning. Mobile technologies have challenged traditional education supporting learning experiences that are collaborative, accessible, and connected with the world beyond the classroom. Both teachers and students in different kinds of educational environments can benefit from the flexibility and freedom afforded by these devices. Mobile devices enable mobile learning by providing material wherever and whenever students need it. Teachers can interact with their students while on the move. Mobile learning is learning across space, time or topic, making use of new pedagogies and new approaches to delivering and facilitating instruction. The European project Take Care - A Healthcare Language Guide for Migrants (www.takecareproject.eu), provides relevant learning materials and opportunities for multilingual and multicultural healthcare communication in 17 world languages (both widely used and less widely used, including Romanian, Arabic, Chinese etc.). The paper outlines the relevant features of the project, focusing on how the University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Iasi Romania has integrated computing/communication devices to teach Romanian to international medical students.