Workshop on Tech Solutions in Low-Tech Contexts – RIESI, Faculty Members

30 April 2015

Technology has brought tremendous change in education system. Development of language theories and research in psycholinguistics have influenced in the Second Language Acquisition. While the use of technology has enabled researchers and practitioners provide positive exposure in second language acquisition, frequent changes in the concept and the use of technology has created dilemma and confusion. Considering the perplexity of technology use in second language acquisition Dr. Karen price began the workshop eliciting comments of members of the faculty regarding paradigm shift on 21st century Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL). Dr. Price elaborated upon shift from Desktop computer to modern electronic equipment available in classroom language practices, benefits of on-line course on professional development, virtual world, speech synthesis with emotional aspects of language use, role of Skype, smart phone, audio pens, stylus-based, paper-based technologies, key board mice, live scribe pen and so on.    

Understanding purposes of technology in second language acquisition reduces misuse of technology in classroom practices. Dr. Karen Price focused her discussion on three aspects of language learning; namely, interactions in the classroom, platforms for creating an environment in language use and facilitating participants’ use of target language through use of technology. Highlighting importance of networking in language use, Dr. Price focused on the point as to how use of technology could create an atmosphere of arrangement that assist automation of language use.

Familiarity of recent development of technology in second language acquisition creates positive evidence of 21st century language classroom. Talking about use of multi-media, text, video and audio in creating augmented reality Dr. Price enlightened members of the faculty on apps like aurasma, voxxy, google glass translator, mobile translator, word-lens and so on. Commenting on ‘Gesture-based interfaces and sheer neglect on handwriting due to keyboard operation in techno-based learning, Dr. Price stressed importance of psychomotor skills of learners and aspects physical handwriting in paper. While use of technology overlooks and hampers language acquisition, deliberate and conscious efforts on the part of teachers might help SL learners developing language learning. Considering urgency of this aspect of second language acquisition, Dr. Price highlighted the paper-based technology available for classroom practices. Focusing on importance of synchronizing audio, video and text with objects, Dr. Price focused how language practitioners could take advantage of social networking in using the prescribed textbook.

Making language learners independent in second language use, becoming independent (BYOD) is important. Keeping in track from overwhelmed flood of information in internet, Dr. Karen Price illuminated members of the faculty with hands-on-experience of capturing websites in limited internet or low tech contexts. Dr Price showcased and made the members practically practice the use of plickers, Lit2Go, HT Tracker, Site sucker, Jing for screen recording, clip converter, MicNote, PLN, learning2gether, webheadsinaction.org, Calico, LLT, symbaloo, werti and noredink for classroom practice in low-tech context. The workshop remained one of the best experiences of the members of the faculty. The three day workshops ended with the valedictory address delivered by the Director of RIESI, Mr. Narasimhaiah appreciating Dr. Karen Price’s deliberation and RELO’s kind gestures in providing her services to the Institute.