The distinctive qualities of good digital teaching aids have not yet been sufficiently analysed. In this project, a Web application for acquiring a second language is being developed according to scientifically sound learning principles. The benefit of the Web application will be scientifically reviewed over a period of several years.

The digitalization of schools is making great strides forwards. This is bound up with higher outlay, both financial and in terms of staff allocation. However, the majority of digitalized teaching and learning aids and materials have, hitherto, undergone hardly any empirical examination at all. The objective of this study is to develop an empirically validated Web application for acquiring a second language as a supplement to current teaching and learning methods. The Web application is based on empirically tried and tested teaching and learning strategies from the learning and memory field of research of cognitive psychology: distributed learning, retrieval training, corrective feedback and multisensory coding. It also involves investigating which combination of learning principles brings the greatest learning success. At the same time, the project researchers consider the extent to which the additional use of the Web application is superior to current teaching and learning methods. The project is being carried out by UniDistance Suisse in collaboration with schools in the Valais canton.

Participation
We are looking for additional Valais schools which are prepared to take part in this project. If we have awakened your interest, please get in touch with us directly at schulprojekt@fernuni.ch.

Our software developer
We are developing the Web application together with the company JLS DIGITAL AG.

Project duration

01.10.2019 - 30.09.2022

Persons

Prof. Dr Nicolas Rothen
Prof. Dr Nicolas Rothen Project manager
Prof. Dr Thomas Reber
Prof. Dr Thomas Reber Project manager
PhD student
MSc Sandy Marca
MSc Sandy Marca PhD student
Research assistant