In this digital age, emerging technologies have become integral to our daily lives. Nowadays, we use various apps, gadgets, and tools for work, entertainment, and even learning. In a time when artificial intelligence and the Internet remain popular, language learning is no exception. According to a Frontiers in Psychology study on tech-supported language learning, researchers have found that students’ problem-solving, collaboration, listening, and speaking skills improved after completing online collaborative tasks. Meanwhile, findings from 2018 also note that in language learning projects supported by WebQuest, students’ creativity, collaboration, and speaking skills showed improvement.

Similarly, new technological developments continue to transform learning techniques. Digital storytelling activities have become an essential language learning tool to help promote learners’ writing and literacy skills. Other studies have also found that students’ grammar skills improved when students created vocabulary lists and greeting cards using multimedia resources.

Of course, the technological landscape has vastly changed in the past years. Today, digital language learning comes in various forms. Below, we’ll take a look at some of these new technologies and their role in English language learning:

Robots

Nowadays, robots are more than science-fiction concepts. Different sectors and industries worldwide have started using robots and robotic technologies to help boost efficiency and accuracy in various tasks. Aside from commercial uses, robots have become increasingly popular for personal use, such as English language learning. Case in point, Miko the AI robot can converse with kids through back-and-forth exchanges while learning how learners would respond, their interests, and their level of engagement. One Miko robot contains various apps covering topics ranging from language, arts, health and fitness, and geography, which can be used to help supplement an interdisciplinary approach to language learning.

While Miko the robot may not completely replace human teaching, it can still be a helpful tool to encourage and motivate learners in their language learning journey. Miko is also not the only social robot that can help improve language learning, and many models on the market can provide additional support, whether by acting as a teaching assistant, learning companion, or simple conversation partner for practice.

Artificial intelligence

Aside from robots, artificial intelligence (AI) is another crucial digital technology boosting English language learning. AI has remained a popular topic due to its many uses and the rising prominence of generative AI. In a previous post, we highlighted how English Club TV Group integrated AI technology into its language learning programs. The initiative aims to revolutionize how English is taught and learned. In this context, AI offers personalized, adaptive, and highly engaging educational experiences. By analyzing each learner’s progress, strengths, and areas for improvement, AI algorithms can tailor specific content to meet learner needs depending on their preferred pace and proficiency level.

English Club TV Group is also using AI to improve content creation processes. By analyzing language trends, learner preferences, and feedback, English Club TV can develop new, relevant, and engaging educational content that is up-to-date, culturally relevant, and aligned with learners’ changing needs.

Virtual reality

Finally, another critical technology helping improve English language learning for learners worldwide is virtual reality (VR). As tech companies continue to improve this technology, educational companies have also increasingly invested in integrating VR into language learning systems and platforms. In 2022, language learners were introduced to Immerse’s educational virtual world in partnership with tech giant Meta. The VR world can be found on Meta’s VR app store, which allows learners to join virtual lessons built specifically for learning languages, offering 24/7 access to an expert language guide and conversation practice.

This initiative was meant to expand VR use in education. Quinn Taber, founder and CEO of Immerse, cited that the company wanted to extend the use of VR and the budding metaverse as more than a “small add-on to the classroom.” Instead, Taber urged VR platforms to take a direct-to-consumer approach to make language learning more accessible.

Image source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/girl-in-pink-t-shirt-looking-at-the-imac-4143800/

Article written by Rose Jennings