The technology supports the ‘Collaborative Technology in Languages Initiative’ (CTLI), which aims to help develop the teaching and learning of languages, supporting the DfES language strategy, by focusing on the innovative use of technologies in primary schools across Europe.

The Gateway allows children and teachers across Europe to access different forms of innovative technology to link up their classrooms, enabling them to communicate, collaborate and share information, resources and techniques to support teaching of the curriculum and motive children to develop their language skills.

Initially piloted by six schools in France, Spain and the UK, there are now 12 schools which have implemented the virtual learning platform allowing them to collaborate and share resources and information cross borders.

In the UK, the project will support the Government’s plans to improve the teaching of modern foreign languages and to ensure that language lessons are available for all pupils in every primary school in England by 2010.

The Learning Gateway solution, developed by Microsoft and Enterprise MPC, will equip schools with a ‘classroom Toolkit’ – which includes a range of Microsoft products and other technologies including a collaborative learning platform and interactive platforms which will:

• allow the schools to share files and educational applications and resources via the Learning Gateway;

• enable teachers and pupils to talk online and learn more about their different languages and cultures;

• provide secure communication, any time and anywhere, for pupils and teachers at home and at the schools;

• supply teachers with training materials for teaching modern foreign languages.

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