Educommunication, web radio and non-formal education in an erasmus+ context: The europa on air experience

Abstract

Web radio and social media have proved to be essential tools for the acquisition of skills and learning. Some actions of the Erasmus+ program have also become an ideal scenario for non-formal education. This article presents the experience of Europa on air, an Erasmus+ project in which the participating students have acquired communication skills through web radio and social networks, as well as other linguistic, intercultural and European citizenship-related skills and respect for diversity. The main results of the experience include training in radio program production and broadcasting techniques and the use of social networks as a communication vehicle to disseminate the cultural and social diversity of the European Union (EU). The project also helped them to improve their language skills in French and English. At the same time, the concept of inclusion and European citizenship was promoted through living with students’ families and educational institutions in each country. All the competencies acquired were officialized through Europass. Europa on air was based on weekly stays in the five countries involved in the project, during which the students attended cultural, sports and social activities that served as the basis for preparing the contents of the programs they made for the webradio of each educational institution, which were then viralized on social networks. The general conclusions complement other contributions from the existing scientific literature and experiences in public radio.