SIMOLA

The Project is proposed as an ICT Key Activity and has significant development component. However, this technical development can draw on previous design and development work by the technology partner. There will be an even stronger focus on pedagogies and practices to support adoption and promote integration with suitable networks and organisations.

The project will:

• Produce a lightweight and sustainable, mobile application for the Android Mobile OS to meet the specific needs of in-situ language learners. To include capture and uploading of text, photos, audio and video, group discussion areas, RSS syndication and widgets to embed in social network profile pages.
• Develop pedagogies and practices that enable learners to take best advantage of the application capabilities in everyday incidental learning situations and foster reflection and discussion with other language learners in similar circumstances.
• Design and carry out empirical studies to assess the impact of the system on learners‘learning, meta-learning, attitudes and confidence.
• Foster adoption of the system through dissemination and exploitation activities, involving integration with relevant networks and initiatives supporting language learners living in the target language country.

Overall the project will deliver a technological platform and related pedagogical practises specifically developed for in-situ language learners. These will enable individuals to take note of and build on their everyday informal learning. They will also enable networks and organisations working with in-situ language learners to adopt novel, more engaging and more effective methods integrating formal and informal language learning. The project thereby addresses calls for partner countries to improve their service infrastructure for migrants and visiting students, and directly supports higher level EU strategies of strengthening linguistic competences and promoting cultural awareness.