New Technologies and Additional Language Learning by Thorne

Thorne,S.L. (2006). New Technologies and Additional Language Learning. (CALPER
Working Papers Series, No.7.) The Pennsylvania State University: Center
for Advanced Language Proficiency, Education and Research.

Technology in the classroom provides new roles for the teacher as well as the student to have tools that create language usage rather than an oral discussion where not all the participants are engaged. Words like Internet-mediated intercultural L2 education, intercultural competence, languaculture, and pragmatic rules of interaction are now a part of the second language lexicon.
Second language learning through the Internet provides opportunities for L2 learners to have hands-on support for linguistic and pragmatic developments that comes alive with conversations with a Native speaker of a new language experience. It connects people globally through wiki, podcasting, blog connections as well as facebook, myspace, vlogs, friendster.com. Digital media also contributes to the concept of communication through the computer.
The technology age is here. Kids born in the 1990’s have the tech savvy that they need at the tips of their hands. The virtual world is out there. Opportunities to learn new languages is as simple as choosing a language and then using resources like myspace or yahoo instant messenger to connect you to a personal tutor in that language. The plus on that too is that you get to choose someone you like and might have a personal crush on as your guide to a new lexicon on a language of your choice.
With more use of the Internet, opportunities for making informed decisions to use the tools in the classroom is critical. Curricular innovation, institutional policy and regional and state agenda setting are elements to consider to help make policies that includes technology in the classroom.