The Digital Language Lab (DLL) Erasmus+ KA220-SCH project, coordinated by Bursa Technical University and carried out by Lecturers Elif ATALI and Ali KILIÇ, continues to make significant progress towards supporting digital transformation in foreign language education. Following its initial international research activities, teacher training initiatives, the development of Web 2.0 training content and instructional videos, and subsequent pilot implementations, the project has now entered a new phase focusing on the development of multilingual educational resources for the Digital Language Lab.
Coordinated by Bursa Technical University in collaboration with international partners from different European countries, the Digital Language Lab project (2024-1-TR01-KA220-SCH-000250098) is funded under the Erasmus+ Cooperation Partnerships in School Education (KA220-SCH) programme with a total budget of €250,000. Running from December 2024 to May 2027, the project aims to enhance foreign language teachers' digital competencies, promote the effective integration of Web 2.0 tools into language teaching, and provide innovative digital learning resources for teachers and students.
From International Research to Level Map Design
During the initial phase of the project, comprehensive research was conducted across partner countries to investigate the current use of digital tools in foreign language education. Data were collected through questionnaires, focus group interviews, and classroom observations to identify teachers' needs, experiences with digital technologies, and existing classroom practices.
Following the identification of best practices in partner countries, national reports were prepared and consolidated into a comprehensive Cross-Country Report, providing a comparative overview of digital language teaching practices across the participating countries.
Based on these findings, Level Maps were developed to establish a pedagogical connection between digital tools, learning activities, and different language proficiency levels. Supported by expert opinions, these maps provided a research-informed foundation for the subsequent development of teacher training materials and digital language resources.
Web 2.0 Teacher Training and Pilot Implementation
In the next phase, the project focused on developing Web 2.0 training content to support foreign language teachers in designing technology-enhanced lessons and creating engaging digital learning materials.
Relevant Web 2.0 tools were selected, and structured content flows were prepared to guide the development of teacher training videos. With contributions from international project partners, instructional videos were subsequently produced to demonstrate how these tools could be effectively integrated into language teaching from a pedagogical perspective.
The developed training materials were also presented during an International Joint Staff Event, bringing together language teachers and project partners to exchange knowledge, experiences, and innovative teaching practices.
The training videos were then evaluated through pilot implementation activities involving teacher training sessions and video reviews. Feedback collected during this process contributed to the further refinement of the materials, ensuring their relevance, usability, and pedagogical quality.
To increase the accessibility and international applicability of the developed resources, translation and dubbing activities were also incorporated into the project, enabling teachers from different linguistic backgrounds to benefit from the training content.
A New Milestone: Developing the Digital Language Lab
Having completed several major project activities, Digital Language Lab has now progressed to Work Package 4: Creation of the Digital Language Lab, with a particular focus on developing Web 2.0 language resources and accompanying video guides.
Building on the research findings, Level Maps, and teacher training materials produced during the previous work packages, project partners are currently developing digital resources designed to support both language teaching and learning.
Aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), the resources are being developed for A1, A2, B1, and B2 proficiency levels and are intended to be available in six languages: English, Turkish, German, Italian, Spanish, and Polish.
Through these materials, the project aims to move beyond introducing teachers to the technical functions of Web 2.0 tools. Instead, it seeks to demonstrate how digital technologies can be meaningfully integrated into language lessons according to specific learning objectives, proficiency levels, and pedagogical needs.
The Digital Language Lab will ultimately serve as an open educational resource platform, providing teachers with practical materials and guidance while offering students more interactive, accessible, and learner-centred language learning opportunities.
International Collaboration and Coordination Continue
Regular communication and coordination among international partners remain central to the successful implementation of the Digital Language Lab project. During project meetings, partners review completed activities, exchange feedback on developed materials, and collaboratively address pedagogical and technical considerations, including content quality, consistency, and alignment with the targeted language proficiency levels.
In the upcoming stages, project activities will continue to focus on refining the developed resources, preparing the accompanying video guides, and bringing the materials together within the Digital Language Lab platform.
Through the Digital Language Lab project, Bursa Technical University continues to strengthen international educational partnerships, promote digital transformation in foreign language education, and contribute to the development of innovative, sustainable, and openly accessible educational resources for teachers and learners across Europe.
For further information about the project, please visit: https://dllproject.com/
