Case Studies

Description of the context and of the needs the initiative responds to reasons for selecting the specific thematic area, target group and target language(s).
There was a huge increase of demanding Norwegian language courses in from ca 2007, the groups were filled up quickly in every language school that provided Norwegian. Obviously that was one of reasons that our NGO (MTÜ Norra Sõbrad) and especially member whose area was language teaching got enormous amount of questions and email from people wanted to learn Norwegian individually or by web/email. This was the starting point. The starting point of developing the course matched well with annually Adult Learners Week. So we tried to unit these objects and develop an introducing course that also served the aim to introduce web-based learning and adult learning.
All work establishing the course on web and feedback providing to users is based on not-paid voluntary work.
This project was meant as a pilot project and therefore established in Estonian. While developing the web course we had a wider perspective to turn this course into English later on. As today we haven’t reached this aim due to some problems with time recourses.

To introduce web based learning, to get adult learners more used to learn and take care of individual learning. To give a presentation web course of Norwegian.

Evaluation strategy adopted

As the result of the web course and presenting it in 2009 at Adult Learners Week, the course is still available and actively used. We can see the statistics of clicks and feedback we get. We have developed a feedback form that we ask to fill in after finished 5.lesson.
The users have indicated their interest to see more lessons coming. Unfortunately the course providers haven’t had chance to fill upon this wish.

According to the project coordinator Piia Palge-LepikI, she does not remember anymore who came to idea to present this web course and take part of the competition of Estonian Language Label. They were happy to receive this award and quite surprised too in fact. They didn’t think that a web course and in language that is not an official European language can be seen.

The course providers would like to develop the course and adjust it since it’s now getting some years form starting point and the course needs some refreshing. In order to do that there is a need for work team and good time schedule. This course was established as a product of voluntary work. In order to work more with this course there is need for more professional input.

According to the project coordinator Piia Palge-LepikI, she cannot see any benefits of receiving the ELL. The target group is still small and limited just to Estonian market.

Unfortunately, the project coordinator Piia Palge-LepikI did not provide any recommendations for future applicants for the ELL.

Original and creative initiative in language teaching/learning (web-based learning, comprehensive in its approach, increasing adult learning motivation

Inovation and creativity, based on modern technologies in motivating less widely used language learning

non-formal on-line language teaching and learning, the initiative comes from bottom up, awarded for creativity and innovation