Study Group 3 Bridging the Divide with ADL

Challenges NATO high language requirements Stressful environment Time deficiency Different individual learner needs

Findings: Target Audiences Military & civilian personnel from defense and security sector Police officers Law enforcement agencies Participants in multinational operations Teaching staff

Findings: Language training needs Develop & maintain language skills to effectively handle verbal situations Build competence & confidence to play an active role in NATO Address concepts & attitudes, e.g. cultural awareness for improved performance

Findings: Practicality Concerns Security – authentic materials Access to Internet/Intranet Time “Late adopters” Coordination of stakeholders Sustainability Copyright

Findings: Assumptions ADL can be used both as: – Stand-alone/autonomous method of training, or – Supplement/support to traditional form of classroom teaching

Findings: Recommendations Focus on: – ESP, operational English, content-based approach, task-oriented methodology; – Blended learning as an effective way of combining distance and classroom training, enhancing and promoting collaborative learning; – Educational games are becoming more popular and enhance students’ engagement and motivation

Conclusions Advantages ADL appeals to more flexible, self-paced, autonomous, collaborative, and innovative approach Content is delivered in real time, anytime, anywhere, ubiquitous, student tailored, personalized manner

Conclusions Disadvantages Technological restrictions, Internet/Intranet access, security issues, copyright issues, resource (time & money) constraints, teacher/student reluctance Teacher guidance and support are needed to enhance learners’ motivation and effectiveness

Proposal SG3 found that ADL is an effective way to bridge the gap between language requirements and language school realities and should continue to be explored. The Australian offer to host a BILC sharing platform has a lot of potential. The SG would like Australia to give a status report at the next BILC Conference.