1 Technology and Language Acquisition Matt Mac Cárthaigh Fios Feasa

2 Technology and Language Acquisition Multimedia and Interactivity Use in Language Acquisition Minority Languages

3 Multimedia: What is it? Same info in different media at the same time What does media mean? Pictures Text Sound Medium also means means of distribution CD-ROMs Web Etc.

4 Multimedia: Examples Multimedia: Computers, especially with sound Television Movies (talkies) Not multimedia: Books Radio Pictures

5 Multimedia: Whats so good about it? Repetition (is the key to learning) Matches natural learning Fun, fun, fun

6 Interactivity: What is it? User makes choices Choices limited by designer, of course What happens next depends on user choice Non-linear

7 Interactivity: Examples Interactive: Computer packages Websites Encyclopedia, rudimentarily CBT Not interactive: Normal book Casette tape / CD Videos / TV programmes Training video

8 Interactivity: Whats so good about it? More engaging, less passive Constructivist learning Learners choose subject matter based on their own needs or wants

9 Use in Language Acquisition Reinforcement of vocabulary (text, image and sound reinforce each other) Appropriate models for imitation (.i. native speakers) Endless easy repetition with the click of a button

10 Importance for Minority Languages Appropriate models for imitation are difficult to come by Teachers / parents may feel unqualified or inappropriate IT validates the minority language: it is as good or as modern as any other language

11 Dialects Important issue in minority languages No clear appropriate choice: No prestige dialect Standard is artificial and not spoken Lang. communities already marginalised IT provides opportunities for choice More usable for more people Validates speakers and their communities

12 Conclusion Technology can make an important contribution to the acquisition of language, and in particular minority languages. Its efficacy depends more on the mindset of the developers and the users than on the technology itself.