How does Technology enhance Language Learning?

 

HOW DOES TECHNOLOGY ENHANCE LANGUAGE LEARNING

 

Technology’s Evolution

                In today’s worlds, we are constantly exposed to technology in various ways. We use phones, elevators, lights, computers and more. However, before all this inventions and advances in technology humans lived their life differently than we did today. So how did it all start? Well, the first and one of the most important improvements in human life was the invention or discovery of fire.

It is hard to determine the exact date that fire was discovered because Homo erectus used and controlled fire long before modern humans came into existence. As such, there is no history of how to control and utilize fire that has been written or recorded. Scientists have come to the conclusion that before figuring out how to start and manage fire for themselves, humans probably observed natural fire events like wildfires. Archaeological research has shown that fire pits were used in Africa as long as as two million years ago. Various pieces of evidence suggest that before it was utilized regularly as a survival tool, fire was only used occasionally and sparingly. In Europe, around 400,000 years ago, people began using fire regularly as a survival habit and tool.

            Then the invention of wheel followed.  It was invented in Mesopotamia, where the Sumerian people used rotating axles which were put into solid wooden discs. It was only in 2000 BC that the discs began to be hollowed out to make a lighter wheel. This invention produced significant improvements in two key areas. First, transportation: combat chariots and carts both started to employ wheels. Second, and perhaps more significantly, it aided in the mechanization of the agricultural (crop irrigation, animal traction) and craft sectors (the primary working principle of windmills is the centrifugal force of the wheel).

            Then we have the printing press invented by Johannes Gutenberg in 1440,revolutionized communication by making it possible to produce large numbers of printed materials quickly and inexpensively. Prior to the invention of the printing press, books were copied by hand, a process that was slow, expensive, and prone to errors.The printing press used movable type, which allowed printers to easily rearrange and reuse individual letters and symbols. This made it possible to produce large numbers of identical copies of books, pamphlets, and other printed materials. Gutenberg's invention helped to spark a period of rapid cultural and intellectual growth known as the Renaissance, by making it easier to disseminate knowledge and ideas.The printing press had many important implications for society. It made it possible for people to access information and ideas more easily, leading to an increase in literacy rates and the spread of new knowledge. The printing press also helped to standardize language and spelling, making it easier for people to communicate across different regions and countries. Additionally, the printing press helped to create new job opportunities for printers, typesetters, and other workers in the printing industry.Today, while digital media has largely replaced printed materials in many areas, the printing press remains an important tool for producing books, newspapers, and other printed materials. The printing industry has continued to evolve and adapt to new technologies, such as digital printing and online publishing, but the fundamental principles of the printing press remain an important part of the modern world. After Gutenberg’s revolutionary invention, one of the most important evolution in technology occured. The Industrial Revolution. This was a skyrocketing development compared to printing press. The Industrial Revolution brought about significant changes in manufacturing processes, leading to the development of new machines and technologies that helped to increase productivity and efficiency.

Following the Gen Z’ s best friend’s invention, the telephone. However, it was not like that useful as it is today. Though, the invention was a revolutionized communication tool by allowing people to speak to one another over long distances. A huge jump from telegraph to audial communication.

Now we are getting closer, to 1960’s and 80’s, the development of Internet. The Internet started in the 1960s as a way for government researchers to share information. Computers in the '60s were large and immobile and in order to make use of information stored in any one computer, one had to either travel to the site of the computer or have magnetic computer tapes sent through the conventional postal system. The escalation of the Cold War served as another reason for the development of the Internet. The Sputnik satellite launch by the Soviet Union prompted the U.S. Defense Department to think about how information may continue to be shared even after a nuclear assault. As a result, the ARPANET (Advanced Research Projects Agency Network), the network that ultimately developed into the Internet as we know it today, was created. Although ARPANET was a major success, only a small number of academic and research institutions with contracts with the Defense Department were allowed to participate. As a result, various networks that offer information exchange were developed. Today, the internet has become a critical part of modern life, allowing people to communicate, shop, learn, work, and access a wealth of information.

After that we have our final guest, Mobile technology. Computers and development of computer technology is also an honorable mention to all. However, i would like to skip this part as it contains computers, tablets and smartphones. Mobile technology has developed rapidly over the past few decades, with the first mobile phone call made in 1973 by Motorola. Early mobile phones were large and expensive, but by the 1990s, smaller and more affordable phones had become widely available. In the 2000s, the development of smartphones, which combined the functionality of a computer with that of a mobile phone, revolutionized the mobile technology industry. Smartphones allow people to access the internet, send messages, take photos, and perform a wide variety of other tasks, making them an essential part of modern life. The development of mobile technology has also led to the rise of mobile applications ,which allow people to perform specific tasks on their smartphones or tablets, such as ordering food, booking travel, or playing games. The development of mobile technology has had a significant impact on society, allowing people to stay connected and access information no matter where they are.

Impact of the Technology on Language Development

 

Technology has had a significant impact on language development, both positively and negatively. On the positive side, technology has made it easier for people to access information from different parts of the world, which has exposed people to new languages, dialects, and cultures. It has also changed the way we communicate, with online platforms and social media allowing people to communicate with each other from different parts of the world. Additionally, technology has made language learning more accessible, with the availability of online courses and language learning apps. On the negative side, technology has contributed to the simplification of language, with the use of abbreviations, acronyms, and slang becoming more prevalent in online communication. This can lead to a decline in language proficiency, as people may not be using proper grammar and spelling. Overall, technology has had a significant impact on language development, and it will continue to shape the way we communicate and interact with each other in the future. Technology has had a significant impact on language development, both positively and negatively. I would like to explain it further with these examples:

Access to Information: The internet has made it easier for people to access information from different parts of the world. This has exposed people to new languages, dialects, and cultures, leading to the development of new words and phrases.

Online Communication: Technology has also changed the way we communicate, with online platforms and social media allowing people to communicate with each other from different parts of the world. This has led to the development of new forms of communication, such as emojis, acronyms, and hashtags.

Language Learning: Technology has also made language learning more accessible, with the availability of online courses and language learning apps. This has made it easier for people to learn a new language, even if they don't have access to traditional language learning resources.

Language Simplification: On the negative side, technology has also contributed to the simplification of language, with the use of abbreviations, acronyms, and slang becoming more prevalent in online communication. This can lead to a decline in language proficiency, as people may not be using proper grammar and spelling.

Language Preservation: Technology can also play a role in the preservation of endangered languages, with online platforms and digital archives making it easier to store and access information about these languages. This can help to keep these languages alive and ensure that they are passed on to future generations.

 

 

Language Development Ways Which is Possible with Technology

 

Online Language Learning

                First of all i would like to start with online language learning. Technology made language learning more accessible. This has made it easier for people to learn a new language, even if they don't have access to traditional language learning resources. With the development of technology, There are many online language courses and apps available that allow people to learn a new language at their own pace in front of their computer in their rooms, kitchen, even lying on their bed. Online language learning platforms offer a wide range of courses, ranging from basic to advanced levels, and cover various aspects of language learning such as grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and conversation. These platforms typically use a combination of videos, audio recordings, interactive exercises, and live tutoring sessions to help learners master the language. Some of the benefits of online language learning include flexibility, affordability, and convenience. Learners can access the materials and resources at any time and from any place, and they can choose the pace and intensity of their studies based on their personal needs and preferences. Additionally, online language learning is often more cost-effective than traditional language courses, as there are no travel expenses, textbooks, or classroom fees to worry about. However, online language learning also has some potential drawbacks. One of the primary drawbacks of online language learning is the lack of social interaction and immersion. In-person language courses often provide learners with opportunities to practice speaking with native speakers, participate in group activities, and experience the culture of the language they are learning. Online learning also requires a high level of self-discipline and motivation. Without the base structure and accountability of a traditional classroom, students may struggle to stay on track with their studies or not receive the same level of guidance and feedback as they would with a teacher or tutor.

Using Artifical Intelligence

Artificial intelligence algorithms have the potential to advance internet learning in every field. Massive corporations are able to use language learning solution to develop their employees’ knowledge. Individual learners can use AI language learning to study anytime, anywhere. Traditional schools can incorporate artificial intelligence language learning to diversify the opportunities of students. For instance, AI-powered language learning platforms can provide personalized instruction based on a learner's individual strengths and weaknesses. The AI algorithms can analyze a learner's performance and adapt the instruction to their needs. There are also several chat-bots which can simulate real conversations and provide learners with opportunities to practice their language skills in a natural setting. The chat-bots can respond to a learner's input and provide feedback on their grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension. AI also made translating easier. We all know that Google Translate or similar translation devices do not translate at all. Even though it may have got better these days it is still not useful in most cases. Although, with the AI in our hands using AI’s power,     AI-powered language translation technology can help learners to understand and communicate in a foreign language. The AI algorithms can translate text, speech, or even live conversations in real-time. In short, language learning with AI has the potential to make language learning more personalized, engaging, and effective, as learners can receive tailored instruction and feedback based on their individual needs and preferences.

Podcasts

                Language learning using podcast is a method that is recommended in recent years, as it provides a convenient and flexible way to improve language skills. Podcasts give learners a chance to practice their listening comprehension abilities as they allow them to hear native speakers converse in a genuine and natural way. Podcasts allow language learners to concentrate on comprehending the language being spoken while listening at their own pace. By exposing listeners to unfamiliar terms and phrases in context, podcasts can aid with vocabulary development. Learners are able to acquire new vocabulary in a more interesting and relevant way by listening to podcasts about topics they are interested in. Podcasts can also help learners improve their pronunciation by listening to native speakers and imitating their speech patterns. Learners can focus on pronunciation and intonation by listening to the podcast, and repeating the words and phrases they hear. Since many podcasts cover cultural subjects and current events, they can expose language learners to the target country's traditions and culture. This can aid students in grasping the language and its context more thoroughly. Podcasts are useful as they can be downloaded and listened to anytime, anywhere. Learners can listen to podcasts while they are on the bus, subway, while doing chores, exercising making language learning more accessible and integrated into their daily routines.

Courses and Language Applications

                As a flexible and convenient alternative for learners to advance their language skills, online language programs and language learning applications have grown in popularity in recent years. In Turkey there are apps such as Duolingo, Cambly, Memrise, Lingualeo, Busuu offering variety of courses which can help learners’ language development process. They usually provide a range of interactive content, such as videos, audio recordings, and quizzes, courses and apps can be accessed from anywhere in the world, as long as there is an internet connection. This makes language learning more accessible to people who may not have access to traditional language learning resources. Courses and applications offer a wide range of languages to choose from, which makes it easier for learners to find a language that they are interested in or need to learn.

Language Learning Games

Language learning games are designed to be both fun and educational, providing learners with a way to improve their language skills through gameplay. Examples of language learning games such as WordBrewery teaching high-frequency vocabulary in context with real sentences from news sites around the world. LinguaLift, which is a language learning program that offers French, Hebrew, Japanese, Russian, and Spanish courses. Kahoot is a also fun way and is used widely in almost all subjects and it is easy to use. Language exchange apps, such as Tandem and HelloTalk, allow learners to connect with native speakers of the language they are learning. Learners can practice their language skills through text, voice, or video chat.