Using technology to learn languages

The University's Centre for Literacy is involved in two EU projects on using new technologies to learn the Maltese and other European languages.

Through the project Europodians (www.europodians.com), Maltese language interactive video and audio materials can be downloaded and saved on an iPod, MP3 player, mobile phone or handheld console.

It can also be used to create lessons and share the material with students.

Online interactive language courses in five European languages including Maltese are being created in the Tool for Online and Offline Language Learning (www.toolproject.eu) project.

The centre was involved also in creating 'Sisien', the multimedia pack for the teaching of Maltese to adults.

The centre, in collaboration with the US Embassy, recently organised a talk by Laura Kaspari Hohmann, information resource officer at the US Embassy in Warsaw, Poland, on the subject 'Video games and English language teaching'. Centre director Charles Mifsud, said Prof. Hohmann's visit was very significant in view that a number of students are conducting research in this field at the centre.