VIEWS & OPINION


Technology can improve language learning outcomes, but EdTech must provide more transparency for prospective learners


Comment by DR. NELLEKE VAN DEUSEN-SCHOLL, Director of Yale University’s Center for Language Study, and MARY JO LUBRANO, Associate Director of Yale University’s Center for Language Study.


The U.K. and the U.S. are lagging far behind most European nations in learning foreign languages. According to a survey published by the European Commission, 62% of British people are English monolinguals. Another analysis


found that the U.K. economy loses around £50bn annually due to a lack of language skills in the workforce. As well as this negative economic impact, monolingual English speakers miss out on well- researched benefits of multilingualism. However, the rapid evolution of mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) technology offers unique affordances for those previously unable to access traditional language courses. Millions all over the world are already using mobile apps to learn


languages on their mobile devices and computers. Among our academic colleagues who study second language acquisition, however, skepticism remains regarding the effectiveness of mobile apps’ ability to enable learners to actually communicate with native speakers of their new language. This is largely due to a lack of empirical research on learning outcomes associated with MALL. Our recent whitepaper, published in July 2019, responded to this


deficit of research, testing the extent to which using an app could lead to improved conversational ability in a second language. Together with the language learning app Babbel, we embarked on this project to establish Babbel’s efficacy at instilling real-life conversation skills. We therefore set out to measure the oral proficiency gains of native English speakers learning Spanish via the app. We examined 117 participants, the great majority of whom were 40 years of age or older, over a period of 12 weeks. Over half of the study participants were over the age of 55 -- an


age bracket that, unfortunately, has been largely overlooked in the second language acquisition literature. However, older learners are a key demographic for language learning apps, as use of online learning platforms has become increasingly ubiquitous for learners of all ages. Interest in online language learning platforms is growing, and the


results of our study suggest that platforms like Babbel can play an essential role in providing transparency regarding their effectiveness. After studying Spanish for approximately three months, participants took the Oral Proficiency Interview-computer version (OPIc) - an internationally recognised assessment of practical speaking skills. The OPIc test results showed that Babbel learners managed to improve their spoken ability in Spanish, with 80% scoring at Novice level (i.e., ACTFL Novice Low, Mid and High) and 20% at the Intermediate levels of proficiency. Participants primarily used the Babbel app to learn Spanish, with limited opportunities for interaction, suggesting that despite the skepticism surrounding the use of language apps, Babbel learners can acquire basic spoken proficiency. Babbel’s CEO Markus Witte shares our view that empirical research


is essential for creating transparency regarding what language learning outcomes learners can expect from using the app, and that no matter which method you use to learn a language, the time you invest is incredibly valuable. It’s essential to know your time and effort are well-spent. Launching further studies into language-learning technology therefore remains an essential task of both academia and industry. Educational technology and e-learning platforms must work together much more closely to develop and establish the efficacy of platforms to meet the needs of language learners globally.


September 2019 So how do you get started?


Make sure recycling bins are easily accessible Encourage your students to recycle everything: plastic bottles, aluminium cans, wastepaper, leftover food and more. This is easy with clearly marked and colour coded bins. Show them what goes where and how easy it is to get it right.


Turn off the lights Teach children to save energy by turning off the lights and any electronic devices not in use when leaving the classroom. Consider appointing a student as light monitor and giving them responsibility for turning everything off at break times and at the end of the day; you could set up a rota so that each child is in charge for a week. Try to use natural light as much as possible. Not only is this better for the environment, it is also better for the children’s well-being as natural light has been shown to boost mood and improve productivity.


Save paper Use a whiteboard instead of handing out worksheets whenever possible. This sustainable choice offers the added bonus of encouraging greater levels of participation from students. If you have to use paper copies, give out shared worksheets to reduce the number needed. Encourage children to use both sides of the paper. You could also consider keeping a wastepaper box for paper that has only been used on one side and is no longer needed; the children can use the scrap paper for writing drafts, doing practice drawings and for play.


Choose eco-friendly furniture Choose eco-labelled classroom furniture that demonstrates your commitment to the environment and the world in which we want our children to grow up. AJ Products was the first supplier on the market to develop a range of furniture carrying the Nordic Swan Ecolabel specifically designed for schools and preschools. The Swan Ecolabel sets strict requirements that control the entire production chain from raw materials to finished product and end-of-life recycling to ensure the products are environmentally conscious.


Use recycled school supplies Using recycled stationery shows children what happens to their waste when they recycle it. It also sets a good example on how they can make a difference to our world through simple everyday choices. Recycled pencils are readily available. You could also consider whether recycled paper would be suitable for some or all of your classroom needs. With just a few simple changes, you can create a much eco-


friendlier classroom that shows children how to make a difference to the future of our planet and teaches them why they should care about it.


www.education-today.co.uk 21 Is your classroom


eco-friendly? Comment by DAVID ENGLISH, Managing Director, AJ Products (UK) Ltd


An eco-friendly classroom will teach children to be responsible for the environment and show them how to take care of our planet. An easy way to do this is to teach them the three “Rs”: reduce, reuse, recycle. Reduce Try to produce less waste


whenever possible. Reuse Opt for reusable instead of


disposable items if you can. Recycle If you cannot use it again,


recycle it. Teach children to separate their waste from an early age.


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