L2 learning and teaching with reference to digital natives

 

L2 learning and teaching with reference to digital natives

A person born or brought up during the age of digital technology and so familiar with computers and the internet from an early age is known as a digital native.[1]

Propose of this study was[2] to examine how high-school teachers or university lecturers view and use electronic devices (such as smart phones, laptops and tab) for educational propose, and if the age-based digital native divide would highlight any differences in responses.

The results showed that while digital native teachers consistently responded more positively towards the benefits of mobile devices in L2 teaching and learning than the older digital refugee teachers often at a significant level that all teachers-regardless of age- agreed on the benefits and promotion of electronic devices as L2 learning aids. The results of this study expand the knowledge base of L2 teachers, mobile, laptop, tab etc. device experiences and practice while raising awareness of digital natives, and recommendations made for schools, etc.

However, there are certain advantages and disadvantages of language learning and teaching that common in the digital natives’ world. They are.

 Advantages of Digital Natives[3]

1. Social Connectivity
2. Communication Speeds
3. Versatile Working
4. Learning Opportunities
5. Automation
6. Information Storage

Disadvantages of Digital Natives[4]

1. Data Security
2. Crime and Terrorism
3. Complexity
4. Privacy Concerns
5. Social Disconnect
6. Work Overload
7. Digital Media Manipulation
8. Job Insecurity
9. Plagiarism and Copyright

However, there are a lot of negative aspects, but we cannot deny the importance of digital native world. Therefore, the importance of digital native is to achieve L2 learnings and teachings to communicate to the digital world.

 

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[1] Definitions from Oxford Languages Dictionary 

[2] https://files.eric.ed.gov/.pdf

[3] https://turbofuture.com/computers/Advantages-of-Digital-Technology

[4] https://turbofuture.com/misc/Disadvantages-of-Digital-Technology

Introduction L2 learning and teaching

Introduction L2 learning and teaching.

According to Cambridge Dictionary, language means a system of communication used by people in a particular country or type of work[1]. According to Oxford Dictionary, language means a method of communication either speaking or writing, consisting of words in structure and conventional way.[2]

Language teaching became popular as a profession in the early part of the 20^th century. Central to this process was the emergence of this concept of the method of language teaching. There are three main concepts in 2^nd language teaching namely method, approach and technique. According to Edward Anthony (1965) an approach is a set of assumptions dealing with the nature of language, learning and teaching. Method is an overall plan for systematic presentation of language based upon a selected approach. Techniques are the specific activities used in the classroom that are consistent with a method. Therefore, they are in harmony with an approach as well.

I usually learn the second language in the classroom. It take more effort to learn it. I need a specific teacher because sometimes, because second language learning is difficult to be done alone till a certain stage. Learner have to by hard the rule of the grammar, analysis of poetry and drama.  

Furthermore, I learn a second language when I go to the lecture. For example; sometime, I do conversation with friends before the class start. I learn a lot from my friends through conversation and sometime we correct other mistake, I take some assist form my friends and I also assist when they need, in this ways I learn the second language in the university. 

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[1] Cambridge Dictionary

[2] Oxford Dictionary 

Introduction to L2 learning / teaching in the 21st century

 

   Introduction to L2 learning / teaching in the 21^st century

At the turn of the 21st century, there are many changes in the role of education in the world, especially an addition of digital literacies in education (Solomon, 2010). Some people were born with technologies surrounding them and become native users of technology language or as coins this idea with the term, ‘digital natives’.  Some people, such  as  those  born  in  the  19th  or  20th  century,  however, become  ‘digital immigrants’ who  need  to adapt  themselves  to  the  emergence of technology (Prensky, 2001).

Comparing new generations with older generations, a big gap can be identified to understanding each other, especially in terms of education and learning. To be more specific, English education, has various rules, and might seem to be learning and teaching from different perspectives. For ‘digital immigrants’, it seems to be safer and more comfortable to use for learning and reading from e-books. On the other hand, ‘digital natives might learn a second language faster and better. In digital learning and teaching we can find whatever we want to learn through digital devices, we can learn from different people from every corner of the world. Also with digital devices, we can play online games, and videos, listing to songs etc. or interact with our families and friends from one country to another country.

According to above mention facts it’s clear that L2 learning and teaching are easier compared with the older generation. Learning and teaching an L2 is changing, old, authoritarian models are disappearing and emphasis is given on collaborative learning and teaching, focusing on oral, authentic materials.