In order to promote the language learning at workplace, not depending on the geographical location of the person, IUA has initiated an innovation development and transfer project “Launch and implementation of a web-based language learning tool: Estonian for special purposes for non-Estonian speaking civil servants (e-Kristjan)”. The object of the innovation transfer is the language learning module developed under the Mona Lisa project, which took place in 2005-2007 and was financed by the EU Leonardo da Vinci program. Under the continuation project the module will be developed further and adapted for teaching Estonian language. The main goal of the project is to increase the non-Estonian speakers’ level of knowledge of Estonian language in order to improve their communication skills and efficiency of everyday work as knowing the language would make things easier for them. The main result of the project is the modern and flexible opportunity for learning official language for non-Estonian speakers. In the course of the project a web-based learning tool which consists of 10 modules and a set of methods for learning Estonian language at the workplace will be generated. To disseminate the results of the project the web site will be created. Partners: 1. Study Centre International University Audentes (IUA) of Tallinn School of Economics and Business Administration of Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia. 2. Estonian Board of Borderguard (EBBG), Tallinn, Estonia 3. INK Catalunya, S.A (INK), Barcelona, Spain. 4. Visiolink Oy (VO), Tampere, Finland. 5. P.M.F. S.r.l, Catania, Italy. 
Web-based learning tool will be available for further development and/or adaption for all organizations in Estonia and in the other countries of the EU.
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Where does the acronym of the project come from?
Cannot the tongue of this land
In the wind of incantation
Rising up to the heavens
Seek for eternity?
These verses are probably well known to many Estonians. The author of them - Kristjan Jaak Peterson – has been considered to be the first Estonian poet, a bard for the country people. His importance for the Estonian language has been so much appreciated that a Mother Tongue Day is celebrated on his birth anniversary, on 14 March.
e-Kristjan project has been named after K.J. Peterson for two reasons. First, the project is closely involved in Estonian language learning and making it easier for people to study. The second reason lies in an interesting coincidence – the deadline for the project happened to be 14 March, which is the Mother Tongue Day and K.J. Peterson’s birth anniversary as well.
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About the Leonardo da Vinci innovation transfer programme
The Leonardo da Vinci programme links policy to practice in the field of vocational education and training (VET). Projects range from those giving individuals the chance to improve their competences, knowledge and skills through a period abroad, to Europe-wide co-operation between training organisations.
The aim of Leonardo da Vinci Multilateral Projects ‘Transfer of Innovation’ is to improve the quality and attractiveness of the European VET system by adapting and integrating innovative content or results from previous Leonardo da Vinci Projects, or from other innovative projects into public and/or private vocational training systems and companies at the national, local, regional, or sectoral level.
See also
http://ec.europa.eu/education/leonardo-da-vinci/doc1035_en.htm
For more information about the project please turn to Kaire Sõmer (tel 6996 562; e-mail kaire.somer@tv.ttu.ee).
