KiVAKO - kielivarannon vahvistaminen korkeakouluissa

The KiVAKO project (2018–2021) aims at building virtual language study paths for higher education students. The focus is particularly on languages that are necessary but less commonly studied in Finland. The goal is thus to strengthen Finland’s linguistic capital through higher education.

At present, the KiVAKO project covers 11 languages and a multilingual eTandem study system for virtual peer language learning. The studies are available through an online learning platform created by the DigiCampus project. The platform can be accessed by all higher education students in Finland. A self-assessment tool for students is also one of the project outcomes.

The project participants, some 110 persons, represent eight universities and 18 universities of applied sciences. KiVAKO is funded by Finland’s Ministry of Education and Culture and the participant organizations. One of the key goals of KiVAKO is also to develop a rotation model according to which the participant organizations will continue offering KiVAKO courses in cooperation after the project has ended. Alongside the model, the cooperation started during the project will also yield a national network supporting the development of digital pedagogy in higher education in the long term.

A description of KiVAKO in all 11 languages can be found on the project's web pages under "Viestintä".