Technology has evolved very quickly these last 40 years. It is part
of history, but as we have lived it for us it appears as a continuum.
Concerning languages, Judith meyer describes the “7 waves of
transformation” of learning languages: “ digitalization,
multimedia, auto-correction, social integration, personalization,
gamification, computer language teachers (using AI)“
Each of these waves
has allowed new processes and tools for learning languages. Some are
useful in learning French (as well as other languages), we are going
to see them in more detail.
Educational media
Not only audio and
video but computers, tablets, clickers and smartphones have been
developed. Interactive feedback can be supported by mobiles and
clickers (Tremblay, 2010). They can also be used as manuals, for
reminders or as an access for open on-line courses.
Accessibility of
information
The digitalization
of multimedia information coupled with the internet and search
engines used by mobile devices can give access to a set of data that
would have been too bulky to carry or to own in a traditional form
(book).
Improved
accessibility is very practical for teachers when they are looking
for resources. For French grammar and activities, I like to go on
“francaisfacile.com”. They also house some efficient visual aids,
games and culture pages.
Social networks
they have bloomed
with technology. Courts (2012) advocate their use to promote a
dynamic classroom environment.
They can be used to
enhance communication between learners, learners and teachers,
learners and collaborative help. They can also be developed as
teaching tools (activities like writing emails or tweets,
communication with foreigners through webcams).
Webcams and video
conference
They are the first
step to a virtual classroom. One of its advantage is the possibility
of a truly interactive environment for learners. Communication and
stimulating environment is paramount for language teaching.
Computer aided
assessment
It can help
tele-assessment as well as to target teacher's intervention towards
learner's specific gaps in knowledge.
Development of
asynchronous learning where the learner can go at her/his own
pace, independently of the other learners. In Wales it could be
beneficial to young carers. It would allow them to continue to work
efficiently while performing their carer's duties. Podcasts, videos,
digital textbooks as well as blogs, emails and social networks can be
used (Loutchko ,2002).
Collaborative
learning is allowed to bloom encouraging learners to work
together (Trentin, 2010).
For a language
teacher, all these tools and processes are a boon, learning a
language is based on communication. Multiple channels and means of
communication can be a boost to learning and provide a better
learning experience. Learners have also access to cultural
information on the language they want to learn which another positive
stimulation to the learning process.
Development of
technology brings a lot of positive perspectives to language
teachers. Learners need to see all these developments to happen the
soonest possible in their learning life.
Courts, B., & Tucker, J. (2012).
Using Technology To Create A Dynamic Classroom Experience. Journal of
College Teaching & Learning (TLC), 9(2), 121-128.
Francaisfacile.com
http://www.francaisfacile.com/index.php
Loutchko, Iouri; Kurbel, Karl;
Pakhomov, Alexei: Production and Delivery of Multimedia Courses for
Internet Based Virtual Education; The World Congress "Networked
Learning in a Global Environment: Challenges and Solutions for
Virtual Education", Berlin, Germany, May 1 – 4, 2002
Meyer, Judith How has technology
changed the way we learn language?
http://www.quora.com/How-has-technology-changed-the-way-we-learn-languages
Trentin G. (2010). Networked
Collaborative Learning: social interaction and active learning,
Woodhead/Chandos Publishing Limited, Cambridge,
UK,ISBN
978-1-84334-501-5.
I like the way you have related to your subject area, gives the post a good focus.
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