LAPLI The Language Learning Lab: A Methodological Proposal for a Hybrid Course in a Virtual Environment

Abstract

The teaching of languages to higher-intermediate and advanced-level students requiresa distinct methodology. Many of these students are, or will be, language teachers andneed to be motivated to continue learning the foreign language, practice the acquiredknowledge, and develop teaching and researching skills. Aiming at challenging themto go beyond their limitations, LAPLI — the language learning lab: a methodology ofintegrative CALL using the Internet — is made of 12 activities in which the students,based on authentic material selected by them, are stimulated to develop fluency andaccuracy in the foreign language, focusing on the development of their reading andwriting skills, but also promoting their oral skills. Students use the language as a toolto accomplish tasks in a contextualized way, being involved in individual andcollaborative learning, natural learning, meaningful learning and discovery-basedlearning, by means of the new technologies in a virtual learning environment.