Innovation in Language Learning

The contribution illustrates the design phases of a new learning environment (based on Moodle) for the delivery of online Italian language courses ICoN, with a particular reference to the virtual classroom study mode, and therefore to the integration of educational contents and spaces of interaction, in the context of the construction of a social space of learning.
The following plugins are described: the custom graphic theme, the new features added to the native Moodle web service and the customized class report.
The new Moodle environment has been specifically designed for language learning, and responds to the following educational needs: to encourage horizontal and vertical interaction between students and tutors, to promote cooperative learning, to support the “learning by doing” approach thanks to an essential interface that allows students to orientate in the language course, and to a friendly navigation of the contents; reconciling the flexibility and autonomy of the study through digital materials (in e-learning, blended learning or self-learning) with the guarantee of achieving clear and well-structured teaching objectives; provide both the student and the teacher with intuitive tools to monitor the progress of activities and progress in the learning phases.

Keywords: Italian as a Second Language; e-learning; virtual classroom; Moodle;