An Exploration of the Potential Role of Digital Technologies for Promoting Learning in Foreign Language Classrooms: Lessons for a Pandemic

Authors

  • Mary Masterson University of Limerick, Castletroy, Limerick, Ireland, V94, T9PX

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3991/ijet.v15i14.13297

Keywords:

culture, digital technologies, online collaborative learning

Abstract


This research study focuses on long-term digital technologies assisted cross-cultural communication as an instructional model. Secondary school foreign language learners of German and English collaborated online with the same age-cohort peers to acquire new cultural knowledge, as well as develop digi-tal technologies skills. Findings revealed that digital technologies facilitated personalised student-led learning through an inquiry-based approach. Results further indicated that the learners had rich opportunities to share their stories and to think critically about themselves and others. Indeed, pupils enriched their understanding of their partner’s culture as well as developing an en-hanced understanding of the influence of culture on behaviour and thinking. The students learned to use digital technologies by creating digital profiles, posting their comments, asking questions, exchanging cultural information, and gaining linguistic and cultural experience of a native speaker in a virtual space. This paper shows that with the purposeful integration of digital tech-nologies in foreign language classrooms opportunities for richer student learning experiences can be promoted.

Author Biography

Mary Masterson, University of Limerick, Castletroy, Limerick, Ireland, V94, T9PX

Dr Masterson is a lecturer in Education at the School of Education, University of Limerick. She is the Course Director for the Professional Master of Education (Languages) programme, a cross-disciplinary postgraduate teacher education programme She is a Leargás ambassador for the national eTwinning programme in Ireland, an initiative that fosters international school partnerships. She is fluent in several languages and is an advocate for promoting awareness of diversity and respect for difference. She is active in educational research and collaborates on funded research projects with partners from around the world across the continuum of education. Her most recent research focus is teacher well-being. She is interested in cultural and linguistic diversity, pedagogy and teacher education. She has researched, taught and published on these issues in education for many years.

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Published

2020-07-31

How to Cite

Masterson, M. (2020). An Exploration of the Potential Role of Digital Technologies for Promoting Learning in Foreign Language Classrooms: Lessons for a Pandemic. International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning (iJET), 15(14), pp. 83–96. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijet.v15i14.13297

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Papers