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!