Innovations in the continuing professional development of foreign language teachers: from blended learning to visual-based learning, choices of emotional and instructional designs

Abstract

Abstract In this study, starting from the profile of our trainees and from the risks highlighted by some studies in terms of the use of video in education, we will analyse the motivations and choices behind the development of the online training model for Foreign Language teachers. We will show how, in order to cope with the impossibility of continuing with blended training, we were directed to a model more closely linked with visual-based learning. We explain our instructional and emotional design choices to support and direct our teacher trainees to flexible learning and the use of media and Web 2.0 in their classrooms. Finally, we investigate the possible problems in terms of sustainability and technical feasibility, comparing the development of two prototypes of videos made using the techniques of video scribing and whiteboard animation: a video interview and a video animation.