Innovation in Language Learning

In order to meet the needs of a highly technological and globalized society, much has been argued about the advantages of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) usage for educational purposes. Regarding foreign language learning, these tools have demonstrated to be particularly meaningful in enabling students to immerse in authentic contexts of language use and access several materials. However, although the current national legislation highly supports ICT based teaching and learning approaches, when it comes to the praxis, Brazilian public schools have major difficulties in using ICT. Given the conditions existing in most educational spaces, such as the lack of functioning computers, the inexistence of internet connection and even the ban of mobile phones, this study finds in the Project-Based Learning (PBL) methodology ways of implementing the use of ICT to foster English language learning in school, in addition to developing fundamental skills to cater to the demands of the century. Therefore, considering the assumptions about PBL (Dewey, 1897) and mobile technologies (Kukulska-Hulme & Traxler, 2005), this research investigated the possibilities of using personal devices in English language classes in a secondary school. The results of these productions, as well as the whole process of project development, were taken in this research as elements for analysis. Based on the observation of the data, we identified relevant aspects in the implementation of ICT in foreign language classes, as revealed by the students’ longing for practical activities and the benefits of its use for learning. Also, in association with mobile technologies, the PBL approach made possible a new meaning for learning, contributing to the development of skills and competencies that are fundamental to the lives of learners. In face of these factors, PBL in association with ICT allows gathering subsidies to reflect on the promotion of changes in the praxis of teaching and learning languages, without ignoring the macro determining factors of the school conditions.

Keywords: Project-Based Learning, ICT, Mobile Learning, Foreing Language Learning;