The OPENLang Network Pedagogical Framework: Designing an Open and Collaborative Language Learning Environment for Erasmus+ KA1 Mobility Participants

Abstract

The design of an online open and highly interactive language learning environment is quite challenging as it entails a variety of specific factors to be carefully considered. One of the main challenges of the OPENLang Network project is to create an open and collaborative language learning environment for networking between language learners and teachers across Europe. The OPENLang Network platform envisages to bring together Erasmus+ mobility participants that wish to improve their language skills and cultural knowledge as well as volunteer educators who would like to offer support to all learners and share open language learning resources. This initiative is funded by the Erasmus+ programme and aims at raising language awareness of mobility participants, as well as fostering the Open Education European multicultural and multilingual vision via Open Educational Resources (OERs) and Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). The development of the OPENLang Network language learning environment is based on the design of the OPENLang Network’s Pedagogical Framework. This paper first analyses the pedagogical theories, frameworks, and models applied in the Online Language Learning and Teaching context. Then, it presents the major research findings of the initial OPENLangNetwork’s needs analysis survey which aimed to map and analyse the language needs of the participants involved in long-term mobility activities supported under Erasmus+ Key Action 1. Finally, it presents and analyses the OPENLang Network pedagogical framework which drives the design and development of the OPENLang Network language learning environment.