COBALT - COmmunicating and building Bridges thanks to the Acquisition of Languages through Technologies.

The main objective of the COBALT-project (Interreg IV) is the development of a free and web-based e-learning platform for the teaching of Dutch and French as a foreign language, on the basis of pedagogically adapted television reports concerning neighbour regions. The results of this project will be integrated in the Franel-language learning environment (www.franel.eu). This main objective consists of the following sub-objectives: 1. Advancing the proficiency of neighbouring languages in the three participating regions (French in West-Flanders, Dutch in Hainaut and in Nord/Pas-de-Calais), both for general language (especially A2 level) as for language for business purposes. We wish to offer this service on an extracurricular basis, so that an audience as wide and diverse as possible can be reached. Advancing linguistic proficiency will undoubtedly improve social mobility in the participating regions. 2. Advancing intercultural communication between the three participating regions by presenting instructional material in which characteristic elements of the neighbouring regions are displayed. 3. Contributing to the innovation of the instruction of Dutch and French in school contexts in the three regions. 4. Contributing to the innovative use of ICT, by sharing our expertise in the field of Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) with the population of the three regions, and consequently to contribute to the further implementation of the digital society.

Keywords:Language Learning, Educational Technology, Authentic Learning Materials, Computer-Assisted Language Learning

Disciplines:Theory and methodology of literary studies, Education curriculum, Instructional sciences