How to meet the locals and make friends along the way
Technology has long had its place in education, whether its computer based programmes, audio or television. With new forms of technology constantly emerging, what relevance will they have in language education? Here’s a look at new trends in language education.
Social Media
As social media continues to grow, institutions are using platforms to connect with current students, prospective students and the public. For language learners, this means easy access to communicating with tutors and other students. Learners can build support systems to aid their education and assist with any problems that arise. Facebook pages such as Language Trainers provides access to thousands of free online resources, links to informative articles and videos, and is host to one of the net’s largest language-learning communities.
Blended Learning
With the growth of technology, educators are making the shift towards the use of blended learning. By using a combination of online programmes and traditional teaching, language learners can benefit from online platforms to interact with both tutors and other students, as well as accessing materials more freely. Check out these free online language level tests to start exploring the world of online learning.
Interactive Textbooks
The rise of electronic tablets has created a growth in the use of interactive textbooks. Apple’s current platform for interactive textbooks integrates text, video and audio. For language learners, this presents a dynamic and engaging way to learn and progress with up to date information presented in slides, quizzes and 3d photographs.
Apps
The innovation of hand-held devices has allowed users new ways to access information while on the move. Both Apple and Google presently have thousands of apps available to download. Language learners already have access to free and paid language learning apps, however the rise of new apps provides a more in depth method of studying. Apps, such as StudyBlue lets users share learning materials, store notes and flashcards. Other digital web apps, such as Examtime are useful for exam notes, mind-maps and quizzes. For language learners, the access to materials to aid exams and assessment of their learning allows students to revise and test themselves at any time, whether it’s in the home, out shopping or having coffee with friends.
Web Based Learning
Web based learning is already highly popular but with the use of web based platforms gaining more recognition, learners are using web applications to organise and analyse their study materials. Web resources, such as Evernote are ideal for storing study notes in both text and audio form, meaning language learners can study written materials and also practise their speaking and pronunciation. New platforms, such as Lang-8 also allows users to have their learning reviewed by native language speakers. For students, these language learning based platforms provide an innovative way to enhance their learning, regardless of their level of proficiency or whether they are classroom or self-taught students.
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