Projects: Introduction

The language learning and teaching activities of the Language Centre are underpinned and informed by relevant research in second language acquisition and educational technology.

While always keeping the needs of learners to the fore, the Centre continues to endeavour to keep abreast of technological developments, and to employ those which can be successfully used to enhance language learning. Funding from HEFCE, the Newton Trust, and collaboration with the BBC have contributed to ongoing development. Project partnerships with other universities in the UK and China and with media and technology companies in the UK helps in this endeavour.

For five years, from 1994 - 1999, the Centre was a partner in two European projects where the other partners were from hi-tech industries throughout Europe. The knowledge and experiences gained have been instrumental in developing LC Online, with a wide range of online resources available from LC Online anywhere on the University network, and also in setting up the multimedia workstations provided for users in the John Trim Centre for independent learning.

The online support materials for CULP French and German were developed in-house in the year preceding the launch of the courses in 2000. In subsequent years online support was developed for the CULP Spanish, Italian, Chinese and Russian courses as they were added to the programme. Additional Dossiers for French and German have been added and resources for CULP continue to be developed as the number of languages offered is increased.

Participation in HEFCE's eChinaUK Programme from 2003 - 2007 led to the development of English online resources.