The Future of Education

This paper presents the methodology for self-directed learning of second languages on the example of one online training programme of Russian language addressed to workers in the retailing, restaurant and hotel sectors, created by a Consortium of training organisations and one university from six EU Member States – Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Ireland and Bulgaria, within the LLP project RETOUR “Russian for tourism”.

Following the current paperless and keyboard less trend in the use of ICT, the training programme, structured using learning outcomes, is mostly based on short videos (5 minutes average, placed on a dedicated channel on YouTube), but includes also paper based materials. Every video is enriched with an introduction explaining the context of the dialogue and images showing the most important terms of the topic. A final test for assessment of comprehension is also included. The videos are produced in several different versions so to adapt them to the level of every learner. For example, there are videos with subtitles or videos with audio track of only one of two characters that offer to the user a possibility to practice the pronunciation with help of a specially created plugin for voice recording. Some additional videos explain how to plan and monitor a personal learning programme so foster self-directed learning and give advice on intercultural dimensions.

The use of practical and interesting videos tailored to the specific needs, authentic texts, easy access to the material, possibility of working online independently, managing the own study time, made us think that the methodology can be used with different settings and can be applied for teaching/learning any foreign language to both people who work and don’t have time to attend traditional classroom and students of Professional Schools.