Lead author: Georgia Konstantinou || Co-author: Allen Corral || Editor/Contributor:
Attempts to incorporate computer technology into language instruction have been made since the invention of the first computers. "Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL), Mobile-Assisted Language Learning (MALL), and Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC) are all overlapping fields of study that share a focus on using technology as an assistive tool or mediator to enhance the teaching and learning of a second or foreign language" (Chang & Hung, 2019). But apart from these in 2004, because of the AI development, another field started in a small number of Asian countries known as RALL (Robot-Assisted Language Learning). "Robots have since proven to be an effective tool for motivating children to learn in foreign language learning contexts where it is often difficult to find native-speaking teachers of the target language" (Cheryl, 1918).But despite the computer assisted language learning there are numerous of apps, platforms and websites that one can use to make learning a foreign language fun. Below you can see a small list of them. The videos to the right go over a number of technology tools to use with your foreign language classroom and also discuss when is the best age to learn a foreign language.
References
Cheryl, J. (1918). The Evolution and Impact of Technology in Language Education. University of Ontario Institute of Technology. Retrieved from Pressbooks
Kern, R. (2006). Perspectives on technology in learning and teaching languages. TESOL Quarterly 40(1), 183-210. Retrieved from ResearchGate.
Kessler, G. (2018). Technology and the future of language teaching. Foreign Language Annals 51(1), 205–218. University of Ontario Institute of Technology. Retrieved from from ResearchGate.
Mei-Mei Chang, & Hsiu-Ting Hung. (2019). Effects of Technology-Enhanced Language Learning on Second Language Acquisition: A Meta-Analysis. Journal of Educational Technology & Society, 22(4), 1–17. Retrieved from Ebsco.
Duolingo is a website and smartphone app for language learning, as well as a digital language competency assessment exam. The company operates on a freemium model, with the app and website available for free, but Duolingo also provides a premium service for a price.
FluentU is a monthly subscription service that provides language immersion via native videos. Their strategy enables you to learn words in context in an natural manner. The website is simple to navigate and can be a useful tool for language study.
Memrise is a language learning app available online and on mobile. It works similarly to a gamified flashcard software and provides a lot of content for free while a paid subscription gives you access to more features. The majority of the content is user-generated.
Quizlet is a free website that offers students flashcards, study, and game modes as well as other learning resources. You can create your own study sets with terminology and definitions to get started. To speed up the creation process, copy and paste from another source or utilize Quizlet's built-in auto-define option.
Kahoot is a game-based learning platform that is utilized in schools and other educational institutions. Its learning games, known as "kahoots," are multiple-choice quizzes created by users that may be viewed by a web browser or the Kahoot app.
Blooket is a web-based quiz game that may be used for group or single learning. Teachers generate question sets and then start games, just like other quizzing programs. Students sign up with a code and then use their devices to answer questions in real time. If you have ready made Quizlet sets you can create a Blooket in a second.
Jeopardy labs is a free website that allows people to design and edit their own Jeopardy game templates. Instructors can use this application to construct jeopardy-style games with their students during class to review information, which can be useful before an exam.
Fligrid is a website and app that allows teachers to facilitate video discussions. Teachers create "grids" to facilitate video discussions. Each grid is like a message board where teachers can pose questions, called "topics," and their students can post video responses that appear in a tiled grid display.
Vocaroo is a free voice recording service that both teachers and students can utilize. It lets you record your voice, listen to it, and then get a web link or code to insert an icon into a website or blog.
Improve your language skills on your own, effectively and enjoyably, by watching videos in the language you study on YouTube.
There are many channels that you can follow. Below are some examples for Greek Language learners.
Podcasts are usually original audio or video recordings, although they can also be recordings of a television or radio show, a lecture, a performance, or another event.
There are many podcasts for languages learners. Below there are some examples of podcasts for Greek language learners.
Quizizz is an online assessment platform. It gives users the ability to create and use quizzes created by one another. A quiz can be administered live as a timed competition or used as homework with a specific deadline. You can use it for free while the paid version opens more features.
Google Forms is completely a free online tool that lets you make surveys, quizzes, and more. It's part of Google's suite. It's a flexible tool that can be used for a variety of tasks, including gathering RSVPs for an event and creating a pop quiz.
Publishes research on computer-assisted language learning, teaching and testing for all four skills, and language courseware design and development.
The study provides a brief look at the history and evolution of the technologies and teaching approaches that have influenced computer-assisted language learning over the years. Also, it discusses the advantages and disadvantages of using technology in language teaching and offers some thoughts on the future of technology in language learning.
How will technology impact language learning? Will people even both learning a language in the future? Or, will language-learning go the way of the wagon wheel and eventually become obsolete? The answers to these questions may shock you.
The types of technologies built to assist people with learning a new spoken language are diverse and numerous. There are technologies that cater to each education level: K-12, college and working adults. There are also quite a few technologies built as a blend of education and entertainment. Below is a brief table which serves as a starting point for anyone interested in learn more about this specific sub-genre of Ed Tech.