The European Union sustains the importance of learning foreign languages (L2) with the use of technology (IT). Unfortunately the literature about the subject is limited. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the teaching revolution that is developing in Europe. This study analyzes the leading theory in the field of foreign language teaching (CLIL) and the Web 2.0 phenomenon with its effects on a world scale. These changes result in a different approach to the future of education, where L2 and technology play a major role. Therefore, it is important to understand how to improve the use of them.
During the last decades all the efforts of the European Union have moved towards the creation of a United Europe where the distinguishing specificities of each state deal with its will to become a whole country, as its motto says: “Unity in Diversity”. In 2006 the European Parliament and the Council of Europe defined a Reference Framework made up of eight key competences considered essential for European citizens. Among others there were the foreign language competence and the digital one.
Teaching language with a specific purpose, which is different from the language in itself, is becoming the distinctive sign of modern teaching. Not only is it spreading in Europe, but also in the rest of the world. It is well-known in the anglofono world under the label of CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning). The CLIL methodology seems to represent the new generation approach to language teaching, albeit there are some difficulties that schools have to deal with. The main problem refers to the level of qualification requested to a language teacher who wants to apply the new approach in her curricular classes. The solution is based on the training of teachers. Most of the European states are moving towards teacher training reinforcement, but it will take time before becoming a widespread practice.
Although a change in the way of thinking Europe as a whole is occurring, a bigger revolution is happening at a worldwide level: the globalization of the world. The main responsible is the society of ICT (Information and Communication Technology). The new technologies, called in 2004 Web 2.0, have enlarged the power of free individual communication. Most of the new tools are easy to use and free. These peculiarities of Web 2.0 technology, added to its social nature and creative qualities, have let it become very promoting of participatory and interactive activities. It is necessary to prepare the new generation to this different way of thinking.
Not only is the very fast growth of the European Union changing the shape and boarder of Europe, but also the way of thinking language learning and communication. At the same time the widespread of Web 2.0 tools is changing the whole world. CLIL can provide the right instruments to teach language and content in a new creative and attractive way and the new technology can also help teachers to let it become a reality. Questions are still open and we need to find answers as soon as possible because school, as a traditional institution, is becoming outdated. Overall, it needs help, not to be left behind in such a changeable world.