Keeping foreign language learning fresh and exciting via the ISPY project platform

Abstract

The ISPY project is a Key Activity 2 Languages Multilateral Project, financially supported by the Lifelong Learning programme. The project aims to develop a new online networking platform which allows interaction between young adults across Europe and helps them learn a new language via problem-solving challenges and tasks. The project partners have drawn inspiration from the espionage theme in order to keep foreign language learning fresh and exciting. Learners log in and they are soon challenged, perplexed and entertained while covering a set of ten modules in the target language of their choice. Each module consists of a range of activities including photo stories, web quests, short tasks, quizzes, listening tasks and extended tasks that call for collaboration through a moderated forum. Guidelines are also developed as part of the project to support teacher training. By encouraging learners to communicate with peers across Europe through a funny virtual environment this innovative project aims to have a positive impact on developing language and intercultural skills. It focuses not only on improving intercultural dialogue in Europe but also on reinforcing language skills that are relevant to the workplace. In doing so we envisage that learners will be able to develop general and vocational language skills for use in both formal and informal situations.