Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education

 

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

2019

Citation

In: "Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges, Promoting Performance," 2019 Report of the Central States Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, Brigid M. Burke, Editor, pp 33-51.

Comments

© 2019 Central States Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages

Abstract

Interactive digital tools and virtual learning spaces can be effective in engaging learners with language, content, and culture that promote language proficiency. However, the mere utilization of technology tools does not guarantee learner growth in language proficiency without careful attention to research-informed learning strategies and standards-based instructional design. Learning objectives and language functions drive instruction, and digital learning tools can provide differentiated learning opportunities and learner support that scaffold the learning process. The authors provide a review of the literature on technology integration in world language education as well as examples of popular digital tools designed to facilitate meaningful, interactive communication. Three digital tools, WeChat, iBook Author, and Spark Video, were chosen as exemplars as they provide varied and multiple instructional functions in all three modes of communication.

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