Seminarium 23.11.2021: How effective are language learning apps for second language learning?

Zapraszamy Seminarium Naukowe Instytutu Antropologii i Etnologii UAM w Poznaniu.

Dla osób pracujących i studiujących na IAiE – stacjonarnie w Instytucie w sali im. J. Burszty.

Dla zainteresowanych – MS Teams, link do spotkania: https://tinyurl.com/pe5d2rch

FACEBOOK

23.11.2021

Shawn Loewen

How effective are language learning apps for second language learning?

The use of language learning apps to study a foreign language on mobile phones, tablets, and laptops has become very popular, providing interested language learners with the opportunity to access language learning materials anytime and anywhere. Apps such as Duolingo, Babbel, Busuu, and others claim millions of users of both free and subscription-based language learning content. During the coronavirus pandemic, use of language apps has increased even more. However, some of these apps also make claims that seem too good to be true: Speak a language in 21 days. Most people can speak within 5 hours. 90-95% success rate with 35 hours. But are these apps really effective? This presentation examines several popular language learning apps and synthesize independent research studies that have investigated their effectiveness. This presentation will also consider (a) the pros and cons of using language learning apps, (b) the teaching methodologies behind these apps, and (c) apps’ motivational mechanisms, paying special attention to gamification strategies. The presentation will conclude with suggestions for how to ensure that language learners can receive greater benefits from using language learning apps to study a foreign language.

Shawn Loewen (PhD, University of Auckland) is Professor in the Second Language Studies and MATESOL programs at Michigan State University. His research interests include instructed second language acquisition, classroom interaction, and quantitative research methods. The second edition of his book, Introduction to Instructed Second Language Acquisition, appeared in 2020, and the co-edited The Routledge Handbook of Instructed Second Language Acquisition (with Sato) in 2017. He is the associate editor of The Modern Language Journal. He is currently a Fulbright Distinguished Chair in the Social Sciences and Humanities in the Faculty of English at Adam Mickiewicz University.

Seminaria naukowe IAiE UAM stanowią forum otwartej dyskusji akademickiej na temat najnowszych publikacji przygotowywanych przez pracowników i doktorantów Instytutu oraz realizowanych przez nich badań i projektów. W ramach seminariów odbywają się także wykłady gościnne będące okazją do wymiany poglądów z badaczami z kraju i zagranicy reprezentującymi różne ośrodki oraz dyscypliny naukowe, którym bliskie jest podejście antropologiczne, kładące nacisk na analizowanie zjawisk kulturowych w powiązaniu z towarzyszącymi im procesami i relacjami społecznymi.

Seminaria mają charakter otwarty, ich adresatami są wszyscy zainteresowani, w tym zwłaszcza pracownicy, doktoranci i studenci IAiE. Celem spotkań jest inspirowanie aktywnego życia naukowego, integracja środowiska oraz popularyzacja antropologii społeczno-kulturowej.

Serdecznie zapraszamy!