Language Learning and Computer Science COOL 1 Ideas for Technology Enhanced Interdisciplinary Learning Barbara Sabitzer Klagenfurt University, Department of Informatics Systems, Universitätsstraße 65-67, 9020 Klagenfurt, Austria barbara@isys.uni-klu.ac.at Abstract. Technology enhanced interdisciplinary learning may be interesting and effective as a part of foreign language lessons and computer science education. In this sense these lessons are cool in the meaning of great, motivating and effective. And interdisciplinary lessons are also COOL which means COoperative Open Learning. This is a teaching method based on progressive pedagogy and constructivist learning theory which is supported also by neurodidactical 2 research. This paper will present some COOL ideas that can be integrated in language learning as well as in computer science education or informatics. Keywords: technology-based language learning, computer science, infor- matics, collaborative learning, cooperative learning, open learning. 1 Introduction Technology enhanced interdisciplinary learning may be an interesting, motivating and effective way of learning. Foreign languages and computer science or informatics as well as ICT 3 offer a wide range of possibilities for interdisciplinary tasks, lessons and projects. There are benefits for all participating subjects, for learners as well as for teachers. After giving an overview of the teaching method COOL and its benefits this paper will present some COOL ideas for the use of technology in language learning. Some of them can be realized by users with fewer computer skills others are designed for computer science students using the programming language Java. Two aspects of technology in teaching and learning are shown: technology or ICT as a tool that supports language learning and technology as a subject called computer science or informatics, where students create tools or applications for creative and effective language learning. 1 COOL – COoperative Open Learning 2 Neurodidactics is a relatively young research field that combines the findings of brain research, pedagogy, cognitive psychology and other related fields. [2], [3] 3 ICT – Information and Communication Technology