New Technologies in Learning Italian as a Foreign Language

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The embracing of new technologies in education has engendered a deep innovation in teaching and learning processes. Language learning, in particular, seems to have been more receptive than other fields thanks to the dynamics which characterize the subject and to the communicative approach currently used. However, if the information and communication technology curriculum integration offers useful tools to enhance language learning, in terms of greater emphasis upon flexibility and interaction, it also creates critical points which require an attentive evaluation to make teaching and learning results significant.
This paper discusses the impact of the use of new technologies in teaching and learning Italian as a foreign language in tertiary education. In particular, the study analyses the experience carried out in intermediate and advanced Italian classes at the University of Wollongong, Australia, and it suggests that an affective and socio-cognitive approach is a success key factor.

Stream: Cyberspace, Technology

Paper: , New Technologies in Learning Italian as a Foreign Language

Sabrina is an Italian Government Lecturer in Italian Studies at the Faculty of Arts of the University of Wollongong. Her research interests are in lifelong learning, new technologies in tertiary teaching and learning, elearning, cooperative learning, intercultural awareness. Her career has developed in the fields of education (secondary and tertiary teacher and consultant), business consultancy (quality systems designer and manager) and linguistic mediation.
She has been involved in European special projects (Socrates programmes with Sweden, The Netherlands, Great Britain, Germany, Bulgaria, Lithuania, Estonia) and Italian ones (IG students, Business Laboratory for Italian University and Secondary School students). She has studied and worked in Italy and abroad (Great Britain, France, Ireland, United States, Australia). She has a honours degree in Foreign Languages (1988, I.U.L.M, Milan), one in Business Management (1998, University of Campobasso) and one in Sciences of Linguistic Mediation (2004, Scuola Superiore per Mediatori Linguistici, Florence).