Technologies that enhance the field of language learning.

This research that my group & I conducted on technologies for language leaning proved to be a quite valuable experience, which enabled me to connect with the ideas of my fellow prospective language teachers.  Keeping in mind the purpose of this endeavor, which was to expand our knowledge of different technologies that can be applied to the field of language learning, I was amazed to discover the diverse resources that exist.  The initial technologies that I automatically thought of, even before my research began, were language instruction websites & the electronic translator.  I knew this from experience with language learning (ESL students, Foreign exchange students) who I would see frequently resorting to these means.  As I worked towards constructing my list of technologies, I tried my best to find a variety of options that were not all linked to computer/internet usage.  There are a decent number of non-computer related devices that can effectively be used to enhance language learning.  Resources such as film/vhs videos, international calling, the audio recorder, TV channels, and an electronic translator are all useful if a person does not have access to a computer/internet.  My group members' work also exposed my to many other language learning technologies that I myself was not aware of.  The virtual environment (2nd life) is a excellent domain for exposing one's self to a language community & practicing one's target language!

I'm aware that the next interactivity is a group task. This message is for those in my subject group, let me know how I can help & how we are going to complete this assignment.  : )

Computer software has revolutionized the field of language learning!

 Rosetta Stone immerses the language learner in real-life communication scenarios where the target language is interactively discovered and applied. 

My new insight on technology use for educating ELLs

I recently just finished reading an article on how an ESL instructor implemented a blogging component to his class curriculum, which gave extraordinary results.  This teacher's goal was to incorporate computer literacy alongside English proficiency.  Many newcomers to this nation do not possess the same computer awareness or skills that are commonly learned in our American society. These individuals in certain cases, lived with limited access to computers and other forms of technology in their countries of origin (as stated in the article).  Therefore they often are reluctant to use computers for academic endeavors,  intellectual inquiry, or even for socialization purposes.  In order to overcome this technological barrier, this instructor required his students to create their own blog, with designs and images that they identify with best. Class assignments were posted on the blogs with  links to  relevant videos and websites. The students were asked to share comments and have online discussions on their blogs.  This innovative strategy proved to be ideal for exposing ESL students to English and have them practice their language skills in a interactive manner. The dynamic resources that blogging and the internet have to offer allowed the students discover new instances of language use and registers of English ranging from highly academic to colloquial.  The students were very enthused about expressing their perspectives and conducting internet searches on diverse topics.  Integrating this form of technology in the classroom is a effective way of engaging students to learn new aspects of the class content and actively share insights on it.