21st Century Learning and Teaching

Remember using a flashcard to memorize vocabulary? You would analyze the static picture, the placement of the word on the card, and the letters needed to spell the word and pray that you could remember the meaning of the word. What if you could animate that static picture and other flashcard contents? Would you be more likely to internalize the meaning of the word in question? Of course, you would. Augmented reality usage has a place in language education. Apps like Quiver and Mondly AR and others allow students to practice learning languages by engaging the learner experiencing language. Using AR to animate vocabulary and practice speaking words in real-life simulated conversations elevates and engages the learning experience making it more personal and memorable. Educators may resist embracing this technology in their pedagogy but studies suggest that this resistance is due to uncertainty and technological inexperience. So, give it a try. Admittedly, using technology may not help everyone, but studies suggest there are more positive effects on language acquisition than without technology. Maybe it is time to refresh that old flashcard.