(Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Canada)

Abstract: Staellinika is an online platform for learning the Greek language at beginner level and can be used either by individual users who wish to have a first introduction to the Greek language, or in the context of a school classroom, as a supplementary learning material. Staellinika approaches the teaching of Greek as a heritage language, presenting the content of the lessons in conjunction with the cultural context of the language, drawing on Greek history and culture. At the same time, the platform adopts the methodology of “task-based learning”, with teaching objectives that focus on the performance of specific actions through language (such as the external description of a person or the presentation of family members). In addition, the content is structured according to the principles of “microlearning”, allowing students to participate in short learning sessions of 15 to 20 minutes. Staellinika offers four different courses, which address different age groups of students, from preschoolers to teenagers and adults, taking into account their developmental differences in the presentation of the content and the language skills involved. Students are motivated on the platform by incorporating gamification elements such as scores, achievement lists and collectible stickers that students can earn by successfully completing questions and modules.