Currently in development through the collaboration of studyFIT and the five faculties are Moodle-based bridging courses to prepare FernUniversität students for the English-language requirements of their disciplines.
In the meantime, the first thousand students to sign up for the English Learning Support project will be given free access to Altissia, a language learning application featuring learning pathways that follow the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Our aim is to identify our students’ English learning needs in order to devise practicable long-term solutions to enable both academic success and professional development.
Amélie Delmotte is a Project Manager at Altissia, and she is handling the FernUniversität in Hagen account. She spoke to us about Altissia, its learning philosophy and what FernUniversität students stand to gain if they sign up for the project.
What is Altissia?
Altissia was founded in 2005 by academics from the Université Catholique de Louvain. Since then, we have expanded and are now present on every continent.
Altissia brings together specialists in education, technological innovation, and professional training to put people at the heart of language learning. Our solutions are available in 24 languages and follow the official CEFR guidelines to cover all levels. Altissia has developed expertise in managing ambitious language projects in education, the private sector and public institutions. A combined blend of different distance-education resources guarantees development in all skills.
Today, Altissia is recognised worldwide for its linguistics citizen projects including Erasmus + OLS, Wallangues and Brulingua, and its academic projects in different universities from Europe, America, and Africa.
Which languages do your worldwide users sign up for the most? Why these languages?
English is the most popular learning language on the platform. Spanish and French are the second and third most popular languages, as they are commonly spoken languages in Europe and in Africa as well.
How is speaking practice addressed?
Altissia takes a blended learning approach. We work hand-in-hand with teachers and coordinators that can take care of the speaking practice and guide the learners on the platform. We believe it’s the perfect combination! We are also developing a tool to allow learners to communicate with native speakers on the platform.
Is there an underlying philosophy to the way Altissia approaches language learning and teaching? If so, what is it?
We are driven by curiosity and enthusiasm. We aim to share the pleasure of learning and believe that everyone should have the opportunity to learn. We celebrate diversity and inclusion. We believe our differences should bind us together instead of dividing. Our contrasts are a source of inspiration and innovation. They allow us to grow individually and collectively.
What do the students of the FernUniversität in Hagen stand to gain if they sign up for Altissia?
They will have the opportunity to reinforce their skills in English through a user-friendly and qualitative platform with contents from an A1 to C2 level of the Common European Framework scale. During their first connection, each student will receive a personalised learning path adapted to their level and their needs. It will also be a major help for the students with general courses given in English.
Keen to get involved? Sign up for the project here.
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