Can web series improve language learning? A preliminary discussion

The use of innovative language in education is a current and pressing issue in a digital landscape where knowledge and skills are acquired in much more complex and fragmented ways than in the past (Di Blas, 2016; Selvaggi, Sicignano, & Vollono, 2007). We are experiencing a lot of interest in flipped classrooms, interactive learning environments and serious games, MOOCs platforms, and e-learning projects, which universities are increasingly adopting. The web series is a highly effective format, characterized by short episodes that can also be enjoyed individually, low budget, and a serialized and therefore potentially engaging narrative identity, and is particularly suitable for use on digital platforms. The aim of this paper is to preliminarily present the expected benefits of an interactive web series made by the University for Foreigners of Perugia for a B1 online Italian Language course, before deeper investigation of their suitability for language learning.