The Nuffield Languages Programme and BBC Factual & Learning share a common aspiration - to widen participation in, and improve access to, adult language learning. In May 2002, they joined forces to explore the potential of e-learning in enhancing the opportunities for adults to learn languages. They set up an action research project to develop an innovative language learning model for adult beginners, combining the flexibility of online materials with opportunities for learners to interact with a tutor and with other learners.

The model, based on the BBCi online course Spanish Steps, was tested between October 2002 and March 2003 by running a prototype course with four groups of adults who wished to learn Spanish from scratch, with support but without committing to a traditional weekly course. The prototype was run in the BBC Stoke Open Learning Centre, Birmingham Brasshouse Language Centre, No Limits Learning Centre in Cheshire and Mid Essex Adult and Community College. A research team from Cardiff University School of Social Sciences evaluated the effectiveness of the courses and produced a report of their findings.

The findings of the Cardiff University team were then presented at a consultation seminar held at the Nuffield Foundation on 24 March. The conclusions of this seminar, together with feedback from tutors, providers and the project Steering Group, formed the basis of a wider report by the project team.

On Friday 16 May, the project team and the researchers presented the findings and conclusions at an event at the Nuffield Foundation. After a summary of the context to the project by Alwena Lamping of the Nuffield Languages Programme, Paul Gerhardt, Acting Controller of BBC Learning, talked about the BBC's considerable role in adult learning. Joan Keevill, Project Manager, and Neil Selwyn of Cardiff University then presented the project. There followed a lively and interesting discussion, with contributions from many members of the invited audience.

To obtain copies of the project report, which contains a summary of the Cardiff University evaluation, contact the Nuffield Languages Programme by e-mail nuflang@nuffieldfoundation.org or telephone 020 7681 9611.
Alternatively, the report can be downloaded by clicking on the download icon above. The full Cardiff University evaluation is also available for download from Programme in action.