European Virtual Language Centre

Citation

(1999), "European Virtual Language Centre", Journal of European Industrial Training, Vol. 23 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/jeit.1999.00323cab.010

European Virtual Language Centre

European Virtual Language Centre

Keywords Europe, Foreign languages, Open learning, Vocational training

The Dutch Centre for Educational Innovation (CINOP) plans to construct an Internet-based Virtual Language Centre.

This website will comprise two sections:

1. 1.

   a European expertise centre for foreign language teachers in vocational training programmes; and

2. 2.

   an open-learning environment for students in vocational training programmes.

The expertise centre aims to facilitate the exchange of ideas and experiences related to vocational training and foreign language learning as well as the dissemination of materials for teaching and learning, assessment and teacher training. Another aim is to promote collaboration in the production of multimedia and open-learning teaching materials and the provision of information on learning materials. The expertise centre is also to be used as a meeting point for teachers and educational consultants who wish to find partners for international projects like Leonardo and Socrates.

The aims of the open learning environment are to enhance self-assessment and learner autonomy and to promote communication and language skills related to the various professions and branches of industry and agriculture. It also promotes language learning for specific vocational purposes and facilitates collaborative task-based and project-based learning.

Other aspects of the learning environment are to enhance digital literacy and stimulate active learning. Internationally the learning environment promotes European citizenship, intercultural awareness and mutual understanding, and prepares international exchange students for their stints in foreign countries.

The materials to be developed and produced are:

• •

  interactive web exercises;

• •

  tests and assessment tools;

• •

  electronic dictionaries, word lists and grammar books, model letters and similar material;

• •

  resource centre with authentic texts, information on the various professions and branches of industry, and background information on countries, people, customs and culture;

• •

  links to relevant websites, e.g. newspapers, museums, etc.;

• •

  a virtual office, i.e. a simulated office for role play, and functional language skills for clerical and financial-administrative professions (business English);

• •

  communication facilities, such as chatbox, e-mail, bulletin boards, e-zines and newsgroups.

For more information about participation in the European Virtual Language Centre, please contact CINOP, Thomas Bersee or Polly Perkins. Tel: 31 73+6800882. E-mail: tbersee@cinop.nl or pperkins@cinop.nl