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The European project entitled OPENLang Network - Open European Languages And Cultures Network was written and coordinated by University of Macedonia based in Thessaloniki (Greece) and involves Pixel in the transnational partnership. The project was funded by the European Commission in the framework of the Erasmus+ Programme, KA2 - Strategic Partnership in the field of Higher Education. The European project OPENLang Network aims at connecting Erasmus+ KA1 Mobility Participants in an open online environment to support the acquisition of language skills of the target mobility EU languages.
Funding Programme
Erasmus+ Programme, KA2 - Strategic Partnership in the field of Higher Education
Theme
Language Learning
Target group
Higher Education
Project Reference
2018-ΕL01-KA203-047967
Date
01-09-2018 | 31-08-2021
Role of Pixel
Partner
Project Details
Project Title
Open European Languages And Cultures Network
Context
According to Erasmus+ guide, the promotion of language learning and linguistic diversity is one of the specific objectives of the Programme. The lack of language competences is one of the main barriers to participation in European education, training, and youth programmes. Mobility is one of the cornerstones of European society according to both the Council of Europe and the European Union. With 4 million participants by 2020, Erasmus+ is a unique opportunity to study, train, gain work experience or volunteer abroad (EU, 2013). As languages are the heart of mutual understanding and comprehension, it is essential to promote language learning for Erasmus+ KA1 mobility participants. Though the lack of language competences is still one of the main barriers to participation in European education, training, and youth programmes.
Objectives
The “Open Language and Cultures’ Network” envisaged developing an innovative e-platform in order to promote the creation of an open and online language learning community of practice, for all Erasmus+ KA1 mobility participants who need to boost their language skills & cultural awareness to facilitate their adaptation in their destination EU state.
By creating a highly interactive and collaborative online language learning environment all members can practice the target language in an authentic way with the tandem learning methodology and all the useful materials and other services offered in the platform. This network can be also supported by volunteer language teachers that can orientate language learners in the practice of their target language via tandem language learning and other activities. Teachers from their side can receive professional certified training on discovering, evaluating, using, creating, and sharing Open Educational Resources (OERs).
Target Group
The OPENLang Network aims to address the needs for linguistic skills and culture awareness of Erasmus+ KA1 mobility participants and the training needs for OERs of language teachers:
- Erasmus+ KA1 mobility participants (HE students & staff, VET , Adult & School education staff, Youth learners, Youth Workers, Youth Entrepreneurs) that need to boost their language skills (24 EU) and cultural awareness including those who will not enroll in the OLS courses.
- Volunteers language teachers who will support the Erasmus+ KA1 mobility participants offering their professional experience while receiving professional certified training on the creation, sharing and use of language OERs.
Results
During the lifetime of the project, the consortium completed the production of all eleven (9) Outputs, a series of tutorials and training material for MOOC on language OER, 2 e-books, dissemination material, the implementation of all four (4) Multiplier Events, and three (3) Workshops/Webinars.