We have recognized that there is not one specific way of learning, but rather there are different types of learners and teaching methods. Consequently, the curricula must be adapted to these different needs. Learning activities are no longer strictly related to face-to-face classroom situations, and we are beginning to accept that learning is a continuous process. It goes through many stages and can take place at many different scenarios. Technology is changing the way our society operates. It offers us new opportunities and gives us access to sources we never could have imagined before. Unfortunately, our rigid education system is not flexible enough to apply all these free opportunities. Our education institutions and consequently, our trainers and teachers do not receive enough support and training to adapt their teaching plans to their learners’ needs. Missing skills, tight schedules and lack of time for training preparation are the main reasons for not experimenting with new teaching methods and strategies. This project aims to combat these problems by creating a reference guide for language trainers that will support them in acquiring or improving their digital competencies. The guidebook will encourage them in to use ICT solutions in their teaching and will facilitate the implementation of Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL) in their future classes. The MALL Guidebook for Language Trainers will consist of: - An online Catalogue compiling the most relevant digital learning tools, especially MALLs for SLA in partners’ countries - A guideline for trainers covering the methodological and technical aspects of the tools compiled in the catalogue - A toolbox with five examples of possible implementations of the tools for language teaching - Testing of the implementations - A toolbox with five new developed tools for language teaching using OERs - Testing the developed tools - A concluding interactive online guidebook made up of all previously developed outcomes and a new section for links for further development programs and funding opportunities for trainers Although the project is targeted to SLA adult education trainers, it also covers the needs of language teachers and trainers, trainers in general, language learners and education institutions. The project aims to promote linguistic diversity and second language acquisition. This project will not only create new language tools, but it's goal is the creation of various reference tools for trainers to inform, motivate and support them by implementing MALL applications in their teaching. We expect a positive impact on trainers, learners and education institutions. Trainers and teachers will develop new skills for creating more flexible learning pathways in relation to the learners’ needs and new digital expectancies. Their opportunities for professional development will also increase. Learners will improve their attitude towards language teaching methods, increase their motivation for learning languages, and improve their abilities in foreign languages. Learning providers will find support to enhance digital integration in teaching and training. They will be able to adopt innovative practices in education and effectively address students’ needs. Lastly, they will become aware of the interconnection between formal education, non – formal education and informal education.
New technologies offer us access to sources we have never imagined. But there is a simple problem: Most trainers do not have the time & skills to implement them in their classes. This project aimed at combating these problems by creating a reference guide for language trainers that supports them in improving and acquiring new digital competencies. The final Mall Guidebook facilitates trainers the use ICT solutions in their teachings. It coaches users in a simple way through the processes of searching, selecting, implementing or even creating own online materials. It encourages trainers to embed Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL) in their classes and learners to improve their language skills outside the formal context of the classes. The original application conceived the following Intellectual Outputs: - An online Catalogue compiling the most relevant digital learning tools - A guideline for trainers covering different methodological aspects to take into consideration when using or developing online tools for teaching languages - A guideline for trainers covering technical aspects related to the installation, usage, administration, and minimal technical requirements for the selected online tools. - A toolbox with 5 practical examples of possible implementations of some of the selected tools in language teaching situations including the necessary prerequisites and processes - A toolbox with 5 newly developed tools for language teaching using OERs including description of the development process - A concluding interactive online guidebook made up of all previously developed outcomes and a new section for links for further development programs and funding opportunities for trainers Apart from creating the appointed outcomes and in order to improve the quality of the final products and adapt them best to the needs of our target groups this partnership has gone further developing the following additional resources that were not envisaged in the application. - Videos explaining the simple utilization of the online catalogue (1 English spoken version and 1 with background music and written texts in English) - Videos explaining the utilization of the toolbox catalogue (1 English spoken version and 1 with background music and written texts in English) - Active working sessions with external trainers using selected online materials and training them in the creation and development of new online materials using for example moodle The final Mall Guide reference tools are definitely valuable resources for any trainers, learners and education institutions interested in using online resources. The project was originally targeted to SLA adult education trainers however the feedbacks received at the different events have revealed that the Mall Guide has also covered the needs of language teachers and trainers of other target groups, adult and VET trainers of other disciplines, different types of language learners and finally also education institutions. The Mall Guide is a multilingual and open reference online tool that informs, motivates and supports different target groups in the selection, implementation and development of MALL applications for their teachings and learnings. For the less experienced participants it also offers pdf versions of the reference guidelines and educational videos in order to coach these participants through the usage of the online reference tools. And last but not least, the guidebook also addresses learners offering them a simple platform to search for online materials according to their needs for up to 18 different languages. The direct impact can be resumed as: At least 83 trainers have developed new skills for creating more flexible learning pathways in relation to the learners’ needs. 106 Learners have improved their attitude towards language teaching methods, increased their motivation for learning languages & improved their abilities in foreign languages. 21 Learning providers have found support to enhance digital integration in teaching and training. Apart from improving IT skills of trainers & learners and from promoting linguistic diversity and second language acquisition, this project has lastly also emphasized on the awareness of the interconnection between formal, non – formal and informal education among participants encouraging trainers and learners to test different online tools in non formal & informal situations while improving language (learners) and IT skills (trainers). And finally, the success of this project has only been possible thanks to the human resources involved in it. A consortium composed by enthusiastic staff members with common understanding of expected involvement, team work skills, and sense of common trust. These have been the fundamental elements for a successful working atmosphere that have guaranteed the quality of the results obtained despite the initial financial cuts.