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Learning a second language opens doors to new cultures, friendships, and opportunities, and learning one at an earlier age enriches the brain and enhances other life skills. Bilingual children were found to be better at switching tasks than those who only knew one language, and learning and knowing a second language can even improve cognitive functioning. While many parents and educators are passionate about guiding children to learn a new language, keeping them engaged in language learning can be a challenge. Fortunately, tech solutions have been proving useful for boosting second language learning. Livestreaming, a form of interactive online video broadcasting, offers a dynamic and engaging way to introduce and reinforce second language skills for young learners. Here’s a look into how it’s effective and what tools are emerging to help kids learn a new language:

The effectiveness of livestreaming

Engagement

Interaction is a crucial aspect of second language learning, as it allows learners to exercise their skills and apply their knowledge. Unlike on-demand courses or typical videos, livestreaming allows for real-time interaction between teachers and students. Similar tech solutions like videoconferencing have been shown to have a positive impact on second language learning, especially on listening and speaking skills. The environment it creates is interactive, simulating in-person conversations to enhance education. While livestreaming doesn’t always have the same face-to-face capabilities, there are still many opportunities for interaction that can keep kids engaged. Children can comment in a livestream chat and have their questions about vocabulary and grammar answered by the speaker or other classmates, allowing them to deepen their knowledge of a certain concept by receiving the information in real-time, like in an actual classroom. Kids can also participate in polls and engage with the learning material in a dynamic way, fostering a sense of community.

Features and activities

Livestreams offer features and capabilities that can improve the learning experience and make it feel similar to a classroom setting. Language teachers can incorporate a variety of visual aids, such as pictures, videos, and interactive games, making learning more engaging and memorable for visual learners. Aside from more visually appealing and engaging learning material, it also provides a platform for exposure to authentic language use in real-time. Teachers can have conversations to help kids utilise and apply what they’ve learned in a real-world setting. Events like virtual storytelling can expose kids to engaging stories that teach them about other cultures, boosting literacy and empathy while helping them learn another language. These activities can immerse kids in the language in a natural way.

Accessibility

Livestreaming allows for learning from anywhere with an internet connection. Since it doesn’t feel like a usual classroom or school setting, it can relieve pressure or stress for kids struggling to stay engaged in traditional lessons. Children may also be able to learn at their own pace and choose when to tune in and learn, allowing them to get into the right headspace for learning. The interactive and dynamic nature of the format also makes learning feel more like play, keeping kids motivated.

Livestreaming tools for language learning

Livestreaming platforms

The popularity of livestreaming has grown over the years, and the number of platforms has increased alongside demand. Twitch and YouTube have emerged as major streaming giants and offer a wide selection of genres and topics, including educational content, video gaming playthroughs, music performances, and more. Children can look up live language lessons on these platforms and find various creators teaching languages uniquely and engagingly. Kids can also explore all kinds of content under the guidance of educators and parents and watch livestreams in the second language they’re learning, allowing them to see and hear how they’re spoken and used naturally. Listening to how language is used when someone is responding to live comments or reacting to what they’re watching on stream can help children boost their listening skills and learn how to speak conversationally.

Some platforms also livestream unconventional language learning content that can bring kids to the outside world and let them explore new horizons. Instead of having a teacher or a speaker conduct a livestream like a typical class, students can experience something new via the livestream. For instance, Southwest Jiaotong University set up a series of livestreams targeted toward UK and US youth to learn about giant pandas while learning and celebrating the Chinese language. Primary and secondary school students enjoyed creating stories and engaging in trivia about the pandas while connecting with Chinese youngsters to share and follow topics of global conversations, fostering cultural exchange and interaction.

Livestreaming equipment

With technological advancements emerging rapidly, livestreaming capabilities have expanded thanks to the rise of new tools. Streaming content in the current age doesn’t require a streamer to be confined to a webcam and a computer; livestreaming can easily be done through mobile phones and broadcast onto social media platforms. Wearable technology, like smart glasses, is also positioning itself in the livestreaming scene as cutting-edge equipment. The Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses support livestreaming, enabling wearers to broadcast directly onto Meta’s social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Since the smart glasses look like regular Wayfarer or Skyler models from the eyewear brand, they provide a seamless experience. Language teachers can use smart glasses to livestream to students and showcase how to use the language in real-world situations by conversing with others or identifying objects in their field of vision.

Other tools like augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) headsets can enable an immersive experience. VR can transport students directly into the target language environment, such as a visual of France for learning French or being in England when learning English. Learning becomes an interactive adventure. Kids could participate in virtual games, solve puzzles, or even have conversations with virtual characters in the language they’re learning. Headsets like the Apple Vision Pro can also be connected to devices like a computer or phone so others can see what the wearer is seeing by livestreaming the visuals, allowing everyone to participate.

Technology has revolutionised language learning in the 21st century, offering digital solutions like livestreaming to enhance children’s experience and hone their skills. English Club TV offers the same level of ease and accessibility for second language learning in the modern age. Young viewers can tune in from the TV or phone to learn something new and boost their English language abilities daily.

Article written by Rose Jennings