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.