Technology In Second Language Learning

Μαστροθανάσης, Κ., Γελαδάρη, Α. (2014). Η συμβολή των βιντεοπαιχνιδιών στην πρόσκτηση της δεύτερης γλώσσας: μία βιβλιογραφική ανασκόπηση (σελ. 85-102).Στο: Κ. Μαστροθανάσης (επιμ.) Εκπαιδευτική επικοινωνία: Αναζητήσεις και προβληματισμοί στο χώρο της εκπαίδευσης. Θήβα: Σύλλογος Εκπαιδευτικών Π.Ε. Θήβας «ο Πίνδαρος».

Although the neuronal mechanisms of action and cognition are related, the division of intellectual and physical lessons is standard in schools. This is surprising, because numerous studies show that integrating physical education (PE) with teaching content stimulates critical skills. For example, several experiments indicate that Eduball-based PE (i.e., lessons in a sports hall during which students play team mini-games with educational balls with printed letters, numbers, and other signs) develops mathematical and language competencies. At the same time, the Eduball method does not slow down learners’ physical development. However, we have little knowledge about the effects of such techniques on non-native language learning. Consequently, the absence of incorporating core academic subjects into PE in dual-language schools or during foreign language education is exceptionally high. Here, we replicated the Eduball experiment, but with the goal of testing this method for non-native language learning. Thus, the intervention occurred in a dual-language primary school and we evaluated second language (L2) learning. As before, we used the technique of parallel groups (experimental and control); in both groups, there were three 45-min PE classes per week. In the experimental class, two of them were held using Eduball. After a half-year experiment, children from the experimental group (one second-grade, N = 14) improved their non-native language skills significantly more than their peers from the control group (one second-grade, N = 12). These findings demonstrate that Eduball-type intervention stimulates non-native language learning in children. Hence, our report suggests that specific body training forms can support L2 learning.

Abstract:
The subject of the research is the use of first language in the process of learning second language in the second language classroom. In this research, two usages will be considered: teachers’ use, and students’ use. Several teaching methods are used by the teachers in the second language classroom: the holistic approach (including visual, auditory and kinesthetic learning style), the silent way, and total physical response. In this paper two methods will be considered: analytic and comparison. Implications of this research can be used in the classroom to improve classroom management making the input comprehensible and easy to follow, to lower affective filters allowing deeper and more profound input of the second language, to reduce the levels of language anxiety thus improving communication and comprehension of the second language, and also for psychological and pedagogical teaching improvements.
            Keywords: First Language(L1), Second Language (L2), Second Language Acquisition (SLA), Classroom management, Affective filters, Language anxiety

One of the primary struggles for scholars and practitioners of instructed foreign languages today is how to best teach language as discourse in all its complexity. Digital games, as massively semiotic ecologies, arguably offer a unique opportunity for language learners to experience that complexity in action. This article provides a model for teaching language as discourse in action through digital games, as a means of presenting language learners with opportunities to experience the complexity of text, genre and discourse. The model integrates three levels of discourse essential to digital gaming: (1) the designs of the games, (2) the interactions between gamers, both those that take part in the gaming platform (such as in-game chats) and those between participants in the classroom and (3) social discourses about gaming.

What are the affordances of online gaming environments for second language learning and socialization? To answer this question, this qualitative study examines two college-age Spanish learners' experiences participating in the Spanish language version of the massively multi-player online game World of Warcraft. Using data culled from participant observation, interviews, logs of in-game chat, and student journal entries, we describe how the design of the game, cultural norms for its use, and participants' own abilities interact to afford distinct opportunities for language learning for these two students. Discussion focuses on how online games might be used for language teaching and learning in ways that take full advantage of the medium's affordances for both experienced and inexperienced players.