How does technology enhance language learning?
Learning a new language
has become an essential skill in today's globalized world since it allows
people to interact and communicate with other people from various backgrounds
and cultures. According to Kendall Dick, foreign language study is all about
learning how to truly communicate and connect with others—an incredibly
important life skill that can only be cultivated by interacting with people and
when you master a foreign language, you can exercise your new superhuman power
of being able to understand what someone is saying, recall the proper vocab and
grammar, put that vocab and grammar into the proper context, and reply back—all
on the spot and in a timely manner. You’ve connected. And that is what it’s all
about. Plus, according to Carley Spence, bilingual adults have increased white
matter integrity compared to adults who only speak one language. Their second
language experience actually boosts their brain’s reserves. All things
considered, learning a new language is a satisfying and fulfilling experience
that offers numerous personal and professional advantages. Learning a new
language brings up new options and improves people's lives in a variety of
ways, whether for career success, personal improvement, or cognitive
development. Due to the rising demand for language learning, academics and
researchers have investigated a number of strategies to improve language
learning for students of different ages and proficiency levels. As in other
educational domains, technology plays a crucial role in language education
(Bax, 2003; Burston, 2014;Herring, 1996). The use of technology to improve
learning a new language is one strategy that has gained significant
encouragement and acknowledgment. The use of technology in
language learning has the potential to change how students learn and use
language, producing better language learning results. By investigating the
different ways in which technology can be used to increase language learning's
accessibility, engagement, and effectiveness, this research paper seeks to
investigate how technology helps learners to learn new languages. Various
technology and tools that are accessible for learning a new language, as well
as their possible advantages will be reviewed in this research paper. The
research paper will also look at how technology affects language learners'
motivation, engagement, and learning outcomes, and it will identify the factors
that make technology in language learning successful. The study will ultimately
offer insights into how educators and policymakers may use technology to
improve language learning and give students the abilities and knowledge
required to succeed in today's globalized world.
The advancements in
technology significantly impact how learners practice, and master new
languages. The use of technology in language learning makes the process way
more interactive, accessible, and effective. Thanks to revolutionalized
language learning, learners have access to so many online resources that makes
learning easier. Especially when it comes to learning individually. Most of the
time, it is difficult for learners to figure out where to start or how to
start, but now there are lots of sources that elaborately describe anything you
want to know. The best part is that they are reachable anywhere and anytime
which makes room for more flexible learning, which I will be discussing later. Technology-enhanced
language learning also aims for more interactive language learning. Interactive
language learning is a way of learning a language that incorporates active
participation and engagement with the language. A wide range of interactive
activities, including dialogues, role-playing, games, and simulations, are used
in interactive language learning to support students in developing their
language skills. In traditional classes, students are mostly given worksheets
that are full of grammatical exercises, or vocabulary. This ‘traditional’ way
of teaching a language creates a place where speaking -also listening- fades
between readings and writings. However, there is no doubt that all four skills
are equally important, and it is necessary to practice them all. Plus most of
the time, languages are learned to communicate, and the learners’ ultimate goal
is to speak as fluently as possible. Because it gives students access to a
variety of tools and resources that can help them practice and interact with
the language in a more dynamic and engaging manner, technology-enhanced
language learning has the potential to be more interactive than traditional
learning methodologies. The instant feedback, access to authentic
materials, and more individualized learning experiences are all possibilities
made possible by technology. Hence, even though traditional
learning techniques such as textbooks and in-person classes can also be
interactive, technology can enhance the interactivity and engagement of
language learning by providing learners with a broader range of opportunities
to practice, engage with the language, and receive feedback. Also, teachers can
be more productive using technology-enhanced language learning because it
provides them with a variety of tools and resources that can assist them
create engaging and effective learning experiences for their students.
Technology can help teachers save time on administrative activities including
grading and record-keeping whilst additionally offering them extra
opportunities to adapt their lessons to fulfill the particular requirements of
their learners. Technology may also provide teachers with access to many
different kinds of resources, such as multimedia materials, online forums, and
collaboration tools, which can help them produce more interactive and engaging
courses. Teachers, for example, can use language learning apps and software to
assign and grade homework, track student progress, and provide instant
feedback on student performance. Virtual classrooms and online conferencing
tools can also make it easier for teachers to connect with students while
providing personalized instruction, regardless of their location. Additionally,
teachers can benefit from professional development opportunities and keep up
with the most recent developments in teaching and language learning through the
use of online resources such as tutorial videos and language learning
platforms. In the same way, the utilization of technology to facilitate
language learning can help learners learn languages quicker and more
efficiently as it provides them access to numerous kinds of tools and
resources. Technology can offer learners more flexibility and control over
their learning experience, allowing them to learn at their own pace and on
their own schedules. Consequently, technology-enhanced language learning not
only provides interactive language learning but also is more efficient for both
teachers and learners.
Technology-enhanced
language learning is more enjoyable compared to traditional learning
techniques, thanks to the interesting activities such as immersive experiences.
Immersive experiences are activities or programs that give students a simulated
setting where they can practice speaking a language in a realistic and
contextualized way. Study abroad programs, online conversation sessions with
native speakers, and virtual reality simulations are a few examples of what
falls under this category. The goal of immersive experiences is to create a
learning environment that closely resembles the actual world so that students
can practice speaking the language in real-world contexts, communicate with
native speakers, and gain cultural understanding. For example, a language
learner can use a virtual reality headset to be immersed in a simulated
environment such as a supermarket or a museum in a foreign country. In this
simulated environment, they can practice ordering food, asking and giving
directions, or having daily communication with virtual characters that are
designed to respond in the target language. Similar to in-person instruction,
online conversation classes with native speakers can give students the chance
to practice speaking the language in a natural and interactive setting while
getting immediate feedback and corrections. Finally, Learners who participate
in study abroad programs get the most authentic immersion experience possible,
becoming completely engrossed in the target language's language and culture.
Taking language classes, residing with host families, and taking part in
cultural activities and events are a few examples of how to do this. Studies
have proven that immersion is one of the best methods for learning a language
since it immerses students in a rich linguistic and cultural environment that
can accelerate and improve the process of learning a language. Given that they
can practice in a welcoming and encouraging setting, immersive experiences can
also assist language learners to develop their confidence while speaking
and writing the language. Overall, immersive language learning experiences can
be very helpful for students to improve their language abilities, gain
confidence, and understand different cultures. Another blessing of
technology-enhanced language learning is gamification. Gamification is the
application of game design aspects to non-game environments, including learning
a new language, in order to boost motivation and engagement. By combining
game-like elements like points, levels, badges, leaderboards, and prizes,
gamification can be utilized to make language learning more engaging and
interactive. There are several ways to include gaming with language learning,
including apps for learning languages that motivate students to practice and
pick up new grammar and vocabulary through the use of game-like aspects, role-playing
video games that let students adopt various personas and communicate with other
players in the language they are learning, word games and puzzles for
practicing grammar and vocabulary, language learning exercises that offer
rewards for accomplishing particular objectives, like speaking or writing a
specified quantity of words in the target language. In other words, gamification
may increase the enjoyment and engagement of language study while also keeping
students motivated to continually use and improve their language
abilities. Students can enjoy the process of learning and experience a feeling
of accomplishment as they advance through different levels and accomplish new
objectives by introducing game-like elements into their language learning. Gamification
can be especially beneficial for learners who enjoy engaging in video games or
getting involved in competitive activities as it can give them a sense of
accomplishment and development, which can keep them motivated. It can also be
advantageous for learners who choose interactive learning activities over
traditional classroom education.
The use of technology-enhanced
language learning provides more efficient independent learning. Independent
language learning is the practice of learning a language without having the
guidance or supervision of a teacher, outside of a traditional classroom
environment. This method of language instruction emphasizes a strong
emphasis on self-directed learning, in which learners take charge of their own
education and design their own learning schedule. For
learners who have distinctive language learning aims or who find it challenging
to attend traditional language sessions owing to scheduling or location
constraints, independent language study might be advantageous. Furthermore, it
can give learners greater freedom and control over their learning process,
allowing them to go at their own pace and concentrate on the language skills
they find more challenging or intriguing. Technology-enhanced language learning
can provide Adaptive Learning to make independent learning more productive for
learners. Adaptive learning is a method of teaching that uses data and technology
to personalize the learning process for every single student. Based on each
student's past interactions with the system and their performance on
examinations, adaptive learning adapts the educational material's content,
pace, and delivery to suit their requirements and skills. Algorithms and
machine learning techniques are frequently used in adaptive learning systems to
evaluate learner data and alter the learning environment in real-time. This
enables the system to spot any areas where a learner might be having trouble
and offer extra assistance or resources to help them understand the topic.
Similarly to this, if a learner is doing particularly well in a subject,
the system may offer more difficult material to keep them interested and motivated.
Adaptive language learning has the ability to solve the weaknesses of
traditional learning approaches, which frequently adopt a one-size-fits-all
approach to training. Adaptive language learning can help learners optimize
their learning potential and achieve their language learning goals more
effectively by offering personalized guidance and assistance. Adaptive language
learning provides a personalized learning journey for each learner. The term
"personalized language learning" refers to the application of a
learning strategy that is customized to the learner's personal requirements,
preferences, and abilities. Based on the learner's goals, interests, learning
preferences, and level of proficiency, it involves personalizing the learning
materials, activities, and assessments. In personalized language
learning, students are encouraged to actively participate in their learning by
establishing their own learning objectives, keeping track of their own
development, and providing feedback on their experiences. For students who have
specialized language learning requirements, such as those with learning
difficulties, those who must learn a language for a particular reason, or
those who have limited access to traditional classroom-based instruction, this
method of language learning can be especially effective. The advantages of
individualized language learning include enhanced learner engagement,
motivation, and satisfaction, as well as improved learning outcomes and
retention. Personalized language learning can help learners reach their
language learning goals more effectively and quickly by delivering a learning
experience that is customized to their personalized needs and interests. Technology
also makes it possible for learners to study a language at their own pace and
on their own terms, which may be more motivating for specific learners who
prefer a more independent learning style. According to Katharine Brown Nielson,
Technology also offers dozens of tools to help learners in real-time. Students
can access simplified dictionaries, create flashcards, and browse the internet
in the language they are learning. They can find pen pals, conversation
partners, and online tutors. And they can encounter rich examples of the
languages they are learning rather than being limited to static examples from
traditional textbooks. In conclusion, the use of personalized methods that aim
to meet learners’ needs by letting them design their own lesson plans according
to their own needs, schedules, and interests is easier to reach through the use
of technology. Also, as mentioned before, technology-enhanced language learning
motivates most of the learners. Motivation is crucial to language learning
success because it influences learners' effort, engagement, attitude, goal
setting, and confidence. Learning a new language can become exhausting
uninteresting, and ineffective without motivation. By maintaining motivation,
language learners can steadily advance toward accomplishing their learning
objectives, resulting in increased language competency and enhanced
communication abilities. By providing a more engaging, interactive, and
customized learning experience, the use of technology in language learning has
the potential to increase learners' motivation. Technology-enhanced language learning
can improve language learning results by boosting learners' motivation. This
makes language learning accessible, engaging, and enjoyable for students of all
ages and levels. Therefore, it can be said that technology enhances
language learning since it makes learners feel special by allowing them to
create a unique experience for each individual that motivates them to
constantly keep learning and improving themselves while enjoying what they are
doing, faster, and more efficiently most of the time. To be able to benefit
from the advantages of technology-based language learning, technology
must be used effectively by educators and politicians to improve language
learning and give students the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in
today's globalized society. One way to achieve this goal is to provide learners
with access to technology. Teachers and policymakers can ensure
that students have access to online language learning resources and can engage
in individualized learning experiences by giving them access to computers,
tablets, and cell phones. Another way to improve language learning is to invest
in technology-enhanced language learning (TELL) programs. To make language
learning immersive and enjoyable, TELL programs can incorporate gamification,
augmented reality, and virtual reality. This can help students stay motivated
and committed to their language goals. Another way educators and policymakers
can use technology to improve language learning is by working with tech
companies. By working with technology companies, educators and policymakers can
make sure that students have access to the most up-to-date language learning
tools, which can help students more efficiently reach their language learning
goals. Consequently, teachers and policymakers can help this process to be as
equal as possible in both quality and quantitywise.
In conclusion, the
findings of this study suggest that technology has considerably improved
learning a new language in numerous ways. It is possible to say that the integration
of technology in education has improved the quality of education and opened up
new opportunities for students to learn and succeed (Celik,2023). First off,
technology gives students access to authentic materials like podcasts, videos,
news articles, and literature, which helps them improve their reading,
listening, and comprehension skills. Second, technology offers multimedia and
interactive learning opportunities that accommodate various learning
preferences, making language learning more engaging and enjoyable. Learning
through technology becomes enjoyable in the classroom and this leads to an improved
learner attitude towards interest in learning (Valdez, McNabb, Foertsch,
Hawkes, & Raack, 2000). Strong et al. (1995) argue that if learners are
engaged in the learning process, they are motivated to study more diligently. Thirdly,
technology allows personalized learning experiences that let students determine
their own pace and concentrate on areas that require improvement. According to Katharine
Brown Nielson in her essay about the way technology enhances language learning
on Forbes, dynamic collaboration tools foster a sense of community along with
interactive learning activities, allowing students to participate in class when
it is convenient for them and removing barriers of space and time, and in
general, technology-enabled learning experiences encourage more consistent
engagement among students, giving them access to peers and instructors around
the clock and from anywhere in the world. Finally, technology provides
flexibility and accessibility by allowing learners to access language learning
materials whenever and wherever they have an internet connection. Overall, the
findings of this study indicate that technology has transformed language learning,
making it accessible, engaging, and efficient for students of all ages and
skill levels. According to ACTFL, the use of technology is not a goal in and of
itself; rather technology is one tool that supports language learners as they
use the target language in culturally appropriate ways to accomplish authentic
tasks. Education has become more accessible with the help of technology (Celik,
2023). Hence, it can be said that the involvement of technology in language
learning has enhanced the quality of learning a new language for both learners
and teachers and should be used to make the language-learning process more
engaging and efficient.
SOURCES
https://www.cambridge.org/elt/blog/2022/04/29/learning-language-changes-your-brain/
Celik,
B. (2023). Technology-Enhanced Language Learning: A Review of its
Benefits. International Journal of Social Sciences & Educational
Studies, 10(1), 383.
Semahat,
A. Y. S. U. (2020). The use of technology and its effects on language learning
motivation. Journal of Language Research, 4(1), 86-100.
Bax,
S. (2003). The end of CLT: A context approach to language teaching. ELT
journal, 57(3), 278-287.
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