Language project shares new learning resource

A new learning resource developed as part of a University of Wolverhampton project to help people learn a new language is to be showcased at a special event in Germany.

The ISPY Project has developed a new website to enable learners from different countries to work together to learn a language through activities with an espionage theme.

Teachers and project partners are set to attend a final conference in Cham, Germany, on Tuesday 13th and Wednesday 14th November 2012 where the experts will present the new resource.

Among those taking part in the conference is Victoria Robinson, a teacher from the Phoenix School in Telford, who will present a workshop titled: ICT isn’t a “soft option” and talk about how their staff and pupils have engaged with the project.

The ISPY project is funded with support from the European Commission Lifelong Learning Programme and led by Language Networks for Excellence at the University with partners in Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain and Romania.

Tony Shannon-Little, ISPY Project Manager, said: “The Multiplier Conference, with an audience of language educators from across Europe, will showcase the educational and motivational features of the espionage-themed ISPY platform.

“It is an ideal opportunity for networking and information exchange across a wide range of institutions and languages, as ISPY hosts learning materials in six different languages - Dutch, English, German, Polish, Romanian and Spanish.”

The ISPY platform engages learners in language practice activities on an espionage theme, raising their interest not only in language learning but in exploring cultural topics, which will stimulate them to contribute to forum activities with learners in other countries.

As part of the project, a Languages Day was held at the RSA Academy in Bilston on Wednesday, 31 October 2012 which included language taster sessions in Polish, Dutch and Romanian. Pupils were also able to try out the ISPY platform.

The project was recently awarded the European Language Label in Romania, which recognises innovative projects in language teaching and learning.

ENDS

For more information please contact Vickie Warren in the Media Relations Office on 01902 322736

Date Issued: Friday, 09 November 2012

Note: This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This communication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.