Screen vs Paper in Foreign Language Learning

Abstract

Foreign language learning/teaching has undergone major changes since the advent of digital media as a tool for language studies. New technologies offer efficient ways for retrieving information, facilitating communication and enabling distance learning. In many cases, ICT get integrated into didactics; language courses are based on blended learning, and online resources become an integral part of the learning process. These changes give rise to methodological questions how and when digital resources should be used and whether they could replace the conventional means. The paper presents an overview of an ongoing discussion related to the role of digital media in language learning/teaching, and learning vocabulary in particular. An experiment conducted at Kaunas University of Technology to determine whether computers help students to learn new words is described and the findings of the experimental study are analyzed. A follow-up survey disclosed the students’ preferences and needs when learning new vocabulary, reading texts or doing writing tasks. The respondents’ answers serve as a background for the methodological recommendations how to make language studies more efficient by an appropriate blending of digital and conventional media in the learning process.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.sal.0.27.13748