Comhtháthú Ábhar agus Teanga le Cuidiú Teicneolaíochta san Ardoideachas (E-CÁTA): Eispéiris Mac Léinn Iarchéime

A wide range of terms are used to refer to instructional approaches for the integration of content and language learning e.g. immersion, content-based instruction (CBI), content and language integrated learning (CLIL), although they all commonly share the purpose of additive bilingualism via a dual focus on content and language learning. Instruction in a foreign language in higher education (i.e. ICLHE) has increased around the globe but we still have an incomplete understanding of how to design the most effective and efficient blend in higher education and of how ICLHE affects the experiences of postgraduate students who are both language and content learners. In this paper, perspectives and experiences of postgraduate students who are undertaking a technology-enhanced ICLHE programme (i.e. ICLHE) are explored in order to shed light on this topic. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected from a variety of sources e.g. online end-of-module evaluations, on-site student evaluations of modules, focus groups, students’ work, tutor observations, and tutor field notes. Findings provide unique insights in relation to the effectiveness of E-ICLHE as indicated by student motivation, autonomy and success. Community and capacity were cultivated and students’ digital competence was fostered. Finally, the lessons learned are shared along with the main characteristics associated with E-ICLHE learning experiences which are effective in enriching the field, as shown in this study.