Technology in Language Teaching and Learning

Technology in language teaching and learning
POSTED ON MARCH 11, 2021 BY SANAKO BLOG

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Technology is having a growing impact on foreign language learning worldwide. The landscape of language
teaching and language learning has transformed so rapidly that the formal classroom does not serve as the
primary language learning site anymore. Enhancing language learning with e-learning apps and technology is
nothing new since our formal education system has used different educational technology tools and multimedia
based learning content for already decades.
We at Sanako have more than 60 years of experience in developing technology tools for teacher-led language instruction
and we have seen many technological trends during this period. Some technology tools and ways to use technology in
language teaching and learning are fads and they disappear as fast as they came, but the underlying principles and
reasons to use technology are still relevant today and will be in the future. Overall, technology has not only transformed the
way languages are taught but also made language learning process more accessible, engaging, and personalized for
students worldwide. In this article we want to share some examples how technology can support language teachers and
improve their students’ language acquisition.
The growing importance of computer-assisted language learning

Mohammad Reza Ahmadi (2018) argued that educational technology tools appeal greatly to language instructors due to
their contribution to enhancing learner autonomy as well as students’ active engagement and maximizing positive language
learning outcomes. The use of technology has become an important part of the learning process in and out of classrooms
and is viewed as the core requirement in modern schools and universities.Modern language teaching and learning
technology includes but is not limited to language labs, online learning platforms, digitalization, multimedia devices, mobile
phones, learning apps, flashcards, audio/visual multimedia content (like podcasts and videos), EdTech solutions, and social
media which can facilitate faster and more comprehensive language progression. For example, the application of
multimedia content in class could integrate print texts, video, learning games, and the internet to familiarize students with
language vocabulary and structure or let them practice pronunciation and speaking with native speakers.
How educational technology tools support teachers?

1. Creates a better learning environment
In a technology-driven learning environment, flexible classroom spaces where connected devices, audiovisual tools, and
purposeful furniture are integrated facilitate positive engagement of students and the mix of independent, small-group, and
whole-class learning that is now viewed as essential to student success (EdTech staff, 2018).
2. Increases the possibility of a much wider range of language teaching methods and resources
Compared with traditional language teaching methods that could make students passive and bored, modern language
teaching strategies primarily utilize multimedia, communicative language teaching approaches, various available resources,
and educational games giving students opportunities to meaningfully increase their exposure to the target language and
thus make their own knowledge. Language teachers can use a wide range of digital resources, such as e-books, audio
files, videos, and online articles, to supplement their teaching materials. These resources offer increased flexibility and can
be easily updated, making them a valuable tool in language teaching.
3. Connects the classroom with the real world
New technology in the language classroom such as videos, images, and software solutions empower teachers to
incorporate the larger real world into the classroom. Turning the theories into practical experiences motivates students to
practice and be deeply immersed in second language learning.
4. Saves time in lesson planning and organization
Technology provides tools and platforms that help teachers plan, organize, and share their lessons more efficiently.
Learning management systems (LMS) and dedicated language teaching platforms like Sanako Connect enable teachers to
manage course content, assignments, and assessments in a centralized online location.
5. Expands the opportunities for continuous professional development (CPD)
Online courses, instructional videos, webinars, and e-conferences provide opportunities for language teachers to continue
their education and develop new skills related to educational technology and language teaching pedagogy.
How technology in language learning supports students?

1. Wider exposure to the target language and cultural contexts
Technology increases the students’ opportunity for authentic interaction with native speakers and other language learners
at various levels within or outside the classroom. Practice leads to perfection and technology-rich language learning makes
it possible.
2. Higher motivation and attention during the language course
Transforming from passive recipients to active learners, students might feel very excited about language learning and are
motivated to practice more, using devices with which they can practice a language through features such as voice
recognition and interactive multimedia exercises, etc.
3. Flexible learning
Much more freedom is given to students within the classroom to decide how they approach the language and choose when
and where to learn outside the classroom. Self-decision making and individual responsibility-taking stimulate more profound
and enriching linguistic immersion.
4. Adaptive learning
Technology has made it possible to create adaptive learning systems that can track a student’s progress and adjust
lessons accordingly. This helps provide a more tailored learning experience, making it easier for students to learn at their
own pace and focus on areas they need improvement in.
How software solutions improve efficiency and effectiveness in all core language skills?
Pronunciation and speaking skills
Learning how to pronounce foreign words and sentences is a key starting point of language learning. Displaying video
clips for students could provide detailed guidelines that show how to move their tongue and jaw in the right way to produce
a certain sound. Speech recognition technology will help students correctly pronounce common words and phrases and
they will receive targeted feedback and scoring to get the sounds just right.
Below is a screenshot from Sanako Connect software solution demonstrating its Pronounce feature. This feature allows
teachers to copy-paste any text material and the system transforms that text into spoken audio. It supports most modern
languages. Students then listen these native-live speech models and record their own pronunciation for comparison. The
speech recognizer technology then provides students automatic feedback and scoring based.
Apart from allowing the individual practice, software solutions can group students in pairs for spoken interaction and make
communication more productive. Hence, teachers can manage language class more effectively and allow students to invest
more time into speaking and active learning.
Listening skills
Teachers can launch a wide range of graded listening resources specifically designed for L2 learners to improve listening
skills. A number of available websites and authentic listening materials such as TED talks and news broadcasts could be
utilized based on what students already learned and their interests. Every learner can have a truly personalized experience
even if they are learning the same topic.
Reading skills
Reading comprehension requires the mastery of fundamentals, language, and higher-level thinking skills. Teachers could
select available materials, from those for vocabulary building to those for test preparation, so as to improve students’
reading comprehension step by step. Software solutions keep track of students’ progress which improves their awareness
of their weaknesses and strengths and, thus, provides tailored reading texts for boosting specific skills.
Writing skills
Language learning software could function to brainstorm and visualize students’ ideas, organize their information
sequentially, and more. Spell-checking tools automatically check everything students type, making it easy to spot and fix
errors quickly. Blogs enable students to create more expressive personal writing or to peer review when revising shared
drafts of written work.

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Technology in language teaching and learning

POSTED ON MARCH 11, 2021 BY SANAKO BLOG

The growing importance of computer-assisted language learning

How educational technology tools support teachers?

How technology in language learning supports students?

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