New Technologies & Additional Language Learning

Theresa Prince
Ling 611
New Technologies and Additional Language Learning by Steven L. Thorne

Summary: The article covered issues on the technology uses and context in foreign language and second language classes. The article addressed three areas of research, which are synchronous computer-mediated-communication (CMC) use in L2 education meaning the chat, internet-mediated intercultural L2 education meaning the communication across nations/communities, and additional language learning through internet games and other sites.

Reflection: The research on second language learning using technology gave me insight as to how language instructors can be trained in new technologies to use in villages in Western Alaska. Internet sites, like blogs, wikis, games and other sites will likely help our students to learn second language. (I am imagining one of my Yup’ik classes interacting with Yup’ik speaking students from Naspaskiak using technology.) This would help students to learn one another’s dialect.