Modern technology offers language learners an advantage that never previously existed. Most importantly, many people have these technologies at their fingertips every day.
These technologies include everything from social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat, to blogging, Skype and video chat, video conferences, computer programs, and endless downloadable apps. There are apps that give you a new word every day with the correct pronunciation, spelling, and definition. Social media platforms allow instant access to individuals and groups who have the same learning interests.
These advances make learning more creative and interesting, which in turn sparks curiosity and engagement. When tools like these are combined with a language course, students are given an advantage and presented with more opportunities to improve.
In my experience, a book is extremely useful and important to maintain some structure in a course, but at times can become monotonous. As a teacher, when you include a video with corresponding questions, or an intriguing news article that is relevant and current, to keep students more involved and engaged.
These different technologies relieve the pressure of learning a new language, and the students begin looking forward to each class. Their interest levels remain high, while they can continuously learn and improve their skill set.
Taleninstituut Tip: Taking a language course is the most intense and direct way to learn another language. However, do not forgot to utilize these different technologies, which in many cases are free of charge. When trying to accelerate the learning process and find extra support for encouragement and motivation, this is the best avenue to take.
At TalenInstituut Nederland (The Dutch Language Institute) we understand the needs that companies face as well as the fears individual learners feel. This is why we offer flexible, fully customised Business language training to businesses and individuals. Through a process of interviews and meetings we establish the unique needs and competence of our clients and design each and every course around those. To find out more about our Business English and other language courses, visit our website and ask us for a quote: www.taleninstituut.nl.
© TalenInstituut Nederland
By: Molly Powell
Trainer Business English
david@taleninstituut.nl
www.taleninstituut.nl
Photos: Jeroen Docter
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