MYLO, the free online language learning resource for students
aged from 14 to 16, is live and online.
MYLO is the latest way for students to learn
French, German, Spanish and Mandarin through computer activities
which include producing a TV advert, working in a French fashion
house and designing a football kit. With practice materials, online
dictionaries, phrase books, background information and plenty of
hints and tips, learners have everything they need to complete
tasks online. Crucially the site also provides opportunities for
students to use their productive skills working on writing and
speaking projects.
Kate Board, Chief Executive of CILT, the
National Centre for Languages, says: ‘The fun, innovative and
creative approach to learning that MYLO offers is an ideal way for
young people to learn a new language. If we want to reverse the
downward trend in GCSE take-up, we need to connect with young
people in a way they can relate to – and show them how they could
use languages in a whole range of situations in later life.’
MYLO has been piloted and developed with the
input of a number of schools, educational bodies and teachers. They
report that it gets young people excited about languages, and helps
them develop skills in delegating, group work and project
management. One Year 8 student from Bradford described the
activities as ‘fun and cool and something we are interested in’,
whilst another talked of how it is ‘very different to anything we
do in language lessons.’
MYLO also has a social networking element that
allows students to become part of a MYLO community. Once
their school is registered with MYLO, students can create their own
online profile, comment on the work of their peers, get feedback
from their teachers online and even compete against other schools.
Teachers will also be able to create special playlists of projects
for their pupils, to tie in with their own study requirements and
personal interests.
To sign up for MYLO, and get more information
on how it will work, go to mylo.dcsf.gov.uk.
For further information contact:
Martha Clarke
Press and PR Officer
martha.clarke@cilt.org.uk
020 7633 3343
Erika
Cook
Programme Coordinator
erika.cook@cilt.org.uk
020 7633 3312