Learning FFL Vocabulary in a Multimedia Environment: An Experience with Moodle

Abstract

Vocabulary acquisition is a fundamental element in foreign language learning, underpinning other language skills such as listening, speaking, reading, and writing. In fact, it is often the limited number of words acquired that prevents many students from progressing in language learning and achieving communicative competence. The importance of vocabulary in teaching French as a foreign language varies considerably depending on the strategies adopted. In the digital age, with the wider and more intensive application of educational technologies, new opportunities arise to address the challenge of L2 vocabulary acquisition. This study aims to examine the impact of the features offered by the Moodle platform, specifically the Glossary and Quiz, on the learning and retention of French as a foreign language vocabulary. Our methodology is organized into three phases: the first involves determining learners' language level and their proficiency with digital tools; the second involves the practical implementation of a course on Moodle; and the third aims to assess long-term vocabulary retention. Two months after the vocabulary course, the results of the summative assessment indicate good retention of the vocabulary studied (25% of the students in the sample had correctly retained 90% of the words studied). This demonstrates the effectiveness of the program and the approach adopted. In summary, the study presented confirms that the thoughtful adoption of multimedia tools in language learning and vocabulary acquisition is effective. Furthermore, it stimulates and increases learner motivation, offering a promising solution for differentiated instruction.