Emerging Technologies, Emerging Minds - Digital Innovations Within The Primary Sector

Emerging technologies, emerging minds: digital innovations within the primary
sector.
1. What is the main focus of the chapter as described in the introduction?

The main focus of the chapter as described in the introduction is “what innovative
approaches to language development can be employed to meet the needs of a new
generation of young technocrats growing up within an increasingly globalised world”
2. How does the text suggest that technology should be integrated into language
learning activities to be most effective?
The texts suggests that technology should be integrated into the overall activity and
used as a cross-curricular tool (Leask, 2001), rather than being an additional skill-set
that must be acquired prior to, or during, learning.
3. What is the "critical period hypothesis" (CPH), and how has it influenced language
learning policies in some countries?
The critical period hypothesis (CPH) ‘is a causal explanation for the differential
success in acquisition of a second language by younger and older learners’,
(Bialystok and Hakuta, 1999: 162).
However, a study in the UK showed that apart from improved pronunciation there
appeared to be no significant difference between attainment for learners who started
earlier and those that started later.
However, the growth of globalisation of trade and the predominance of English in the
media, have been responsible for driving change in language education policy and
there is a global trend towards introducing English language teaching into the primary
sector. Consequently, in many countries, children now begin their study of
English at primary level.
4. What factors have driven the global trend of introducing English language teaching
into the primary sector, according to the text?
the growth of globalisation of trade and the predominance of English in the media,
have been responsible for driving change in language education policy and there is a
global trend towards introducing English language teaching into the primary sector.
5. What are some different terms used to describe the process of learning English, and
how do they reflect the context in which English is taught?
There are numerous terms to describe the process of learning English.
- In many English speaking countries it is often referred to as ‘English as an additional
language’ or ‘English language learning’. The distinctive position in these contexts is
for learners to acquire English alongside other subjects. This approach has proved
very popular in the US, Canada, Australia and the UK.
- In the Middle East, the term ‘English as another language’ has been coined to reflect
the notion of children from minority ethnic backgrounds, who already have
experience of using their own home languages and are learning the official language
of the country, as well as learning English.
- ‘English as a foreign language’ refers to the learning of English that takes place in a
non-English speaking context. In EFL classrooms there is a general aspiration for
exposing learners to English as a ‘living language’, providing natural opportunities to
practise target language through the use of authentic texts and exposure to real
models of spoken English.
6. How can technology, particularly the internet, enhance English language learning in
non-English speaking contexts, as mentioned in the text?
Technologies like the internet can provide access to large quantities of authentic
input material and can provide opportunities for practice. Teachers and learners are
no longer isolated from the target language or culture and can ‘… participate in the
socially mediated practices of [the target language] community.’ (Kirsch, 2008: 46).
7. What major shift in technology integration has occurred over the last 20 years, and
how has it affected the educational sector?
In the past, technology has been used to source and consume information, whereas
today’s learners have become adept at creating and collaboratively developing
content for a wide variety of purposes, for example so-called Web 2.0 tools such as
blogs, forums and wikis.
The change from a ‘read Web’ to a ‘read/write Web’ has encouraged teachers to
become increasingly inventive in their approach to engaging technologically savvy
learners who want to publish their work within an ever expanding arena.
The significance of oral competency

8. What is the argument for having oral development precede reading and writing in
language learning, as presented in the text?
There is a school of thought that suggests children learn best by hearing language
being effectively modelled by skilled teachers, and having natural opportunities to
use language in productive activities, before embarking on robust learning of literacy.
However, the relative success of this type of approach may lie in the oral competency
of the teacher and easy access to appropriate resources.
When learners of English are immersed in the target language, for example children
studying in English medium schools or where the dominant language of the locality is
English, the development of oral competency naturally tends to precede a more
specific focus on reading and writing.
9. What is the significance of oral competency in language learning, and how does it
relate to written language skills?
this does not mean that written language is divorced from spoken language, but for
the young language learner, language is presented, practised and learned through
speaking and listening. As the result of activities that take place in the class, children
learn the meaning of words and grammar ‘emerge[s] from the space between words
and discourse’ (Cameron, 2001: 18) and supports the development of meaning.
10. How can technology, particularly the internet, support the development of oral skills
in young learners?
The internet can be a rich source of authentic oral models via recorded songs, talking
electronic books, podcasts and video clips that help learners with pronunciation as
well as acquisition and reinforcement of new vocabulary. Technology also affords
children the opportunity to record themselves for playback at a later time.
11. Analyse Case Study 1.1: Travelling through arts
These examples illustrate how different technologies can be used to increase
learners’ access and participation as well as supporting their development of oral
competency, reading and writing. In this first case study we see how Web 2.0 tools
and virtual worlds can facilitate natural opportunities for language development
between peers who are separated by large distances.
This type of work shows how ‘blended learning’ can be particularly successful as it
enables flexible working, where children can pursue projects through more traditional
approaches that can subsequently be shared more widely with peers via
communicative e-tools. Exploring common themes provides a natural context in
which to develop target language through the sharing and co-creation of content.
This case study also illustrates the benefits of children acting as digital collaborators.
They need to pay particular attention to the function and form of their oral and written
contributions as well as ensuring that it is fit for purpose. Working with peers,
particularly those from another cultural background, requires children to carefully
consider the sophistication of their contributions as well as the socio-cultural nature
of the content, in order to ensure that they, along with the recipients, get the most
from the experience.
12. Analyse Case Study 1.2a: Video Conferencing - Developing spoken language skills
and cultural understanding
13. Evaluations that have been conducted so far show that the confidence and
motivational level of the Kitarissei children rose from the experience of using
authentic oral language with the native speakers from the Australian schools.
Children also developed a keener interest in global issues, as well as stating a desire
to find out more about Australia. Interestingly, the children also reported that they
needed to pay special attention to their oral presentations, ensuring that they were
both clear and interesting to their peers.
14. Analyse Case Study 1.2b: Video Conferencing
This second case study focuses on the way that technical tools can serve a variety of
functions, and links together the development of oral skills and reading and writing. It
also picks up on the theme that technology can provide effective teacher support
where teachers lack confidence in their abilities with different aspects of the
curriculum. It also links us to the next section where we explore the links between
reading and writing.
Developing reading and writing

15. According to the text, what is the interdependence of reading and writing, and why is
it significant?
16. What factors can compromise reading for English learners, and what online resource
is mentioned as a source of more accessible English texts?
17. Why are talking books considered beneficial for language learners, especially in
relation to oral language modelling?
18. How can children create their own talking books, and what are the advantages of this
activity for language development?
19. Analyse Case Study 1.3: Cross curricular story writing
20. Analyse Case Study 1.4: Talking books
Reading practice and Digital game-based learning

21. What benefits does technology and associated software offer to early readers in
terms of reading practice?
22. According to the text, what factors should be considered when selecting texts for a
reading program that uses technology?
23. What are some advantages of using digital games for language learning, as
mentioned in the text?
24. How can teachers maximise the potential of using digital games for language
learning, and what challenges might they face in this context?
25. Analyse Case Study 1.5: Edugaming
Supporting Writing
26. How can modern word processors with built-in tools support emergent writers,
according to the text?
27. Analyse Case Study 1.6: WriteOnline
CALL and Mobile technologies

28. Why are computers considered well-suited for repetitive language learning activities,
according to the text?
29. What are some advantages of touch-sensitive screens and simple menu systems on
mobile devices for language learning?
30. Analyse Case Study 1.7a: Mobile Games
31. Analyse Case Study 1.7b: Lifeplayer

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Emerging technologies, emerging minds: digital innovations within the primary

1. What is the main focus of the chapter as described in the introduction?

The significance of oral competency

Developing reading and writing

Reading practice and Digital game-based learning

CALL and Mobile technologies

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