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Review of Emerging Technologies in University-Level English Language Teaching
The document titled “A Systematic Review on the Use of Emerging Technologies in Teaching English as an Applied Language at the University Level” provides an in-depth analysis of how emerging technologies are being utilized in foreign language education, particularly in teaching English at the university level. The systematic review follows the PRISMA guidelines for meta-analyses and focuses on identifying, comparing, and analyzing the current technologies effectively used in foreign language teaching and learning.
The review highlights a significant gap in the empirical use of the latest technologies in foreign language education, such as chatbots and virtual reality (VR). Most studies focus on mobile apps, primarily aimed at vocabulary development. The findings reveal that while foreign language teachers are theoretically aware of advanced technologies like neural machine translation, there is a lack of practical implementation knowledge. Consequently, the review suggests the necessity for teacher training and pedagogical guidance to incorporate these technologies into language education effectively.
Evaluation
The systematic review is comprehensive and well-structured, adhering to rigorous PRISMA methodology to ensure a thorough and unbiased analysis. The authors, Blanka Klimova, Marcel Pikhart, Petra Polakova, Miloslava Cerna, Sule Yildirim Yayilgan, and Sarang Shaikh, have meticulously selected experimental studies from reputable databases such as Scopus and Web of Science, covering research published between January 2018 and December 2022. The inclusion criteria were stringent, focusing solely on experimental studies with practical outcomes for EFL (English as a Foreign Language).
The review identifies a critical issue in the current state of foreign language education: the underutilization of advanced technologies in practical teaching. This gap underscores the need for more experimental studies to provide concrete evidence of the efficacy of these technologies. The review’s findings on mobile apps are particularly noteworthy, as they highlight the positive impact on vocabulary acquisition and student motivation, although these findings are primarily based on subjective reports rather than robust statistical data.
Practical Application
To apply the findings of this systematic review in real-world EFL education, several steps can be taken:
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Teacher Training: Teachers should receive comprehensive training on integrating emerging technologies into their teaching practices. This includes understanding the functionalities of technologies such as VR, chatbots, and neural machine translation, and how they can be used to enhance language learning.
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Pedagogical Guidance: Development of detailed pedagogical frameworks that guide teachers on the specific use of technologies for different language skills. For example, VR can be used for immersive language experiences, while chatbots can facilitate conversational practice.
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Curriculum Integration: Emerging technologies should be integrated into the language curriculum in a structured manner. This involves aligning technological tools with learning objectives and outcomes, ensuring that their use is purposeful and effective.
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Experimental Studies: Encourage and conduct more experimental studies to gather empirical data on the impact of emerging technologies on language learning. This will provide a stronger evidence base to support their integration into teaching practices.
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Student Engagement: Utilize technologies that resonate with students, such as mobile apps and AI tools, to increase their motivation and engagement in learning. This can be particularly effective for vocabulary acquisition and language retention.
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Feedback Mechanisms: Implement feedback mechanisms to continuously assess the effectiveness of technological tools in the classroom. This will help in making necessary adjustments and improvements based on student performance and feedback.
In conclusion, this systematic review offers valuable insights into the current state and potential of emerging technologies in EFL education. By addressing the identified gaps and applying the recommended strategies, educators can enhance the teaching and learning experience, making it more engaging and effective for students.
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This discussion was modified 5 months, 3 weeks ago by
EFL CAFE.
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This discussion was modified 5 months, 3 weeks ago by EFL CAFE.
mdpi.com
At present, emerging technologies, such as machine learning, deep learning, or various forms of artificial intelligence are penetrating different fields of education, including foreign language education (FLE). Moreover, the current young generation was born into the technological environment, and they … Continue reading
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