Language Learning in the Digital Age: Opportunities and Challenges

Do you know that English education at universities is getting much more sophisticated and exciting? For English teachers, there are lots of cool trends and innovations that can make you even better at teaching. For language learners, you now have access to a wide range of previously unattainable possibilities due to the increased accessibility of digital tools and resources. These options do, however, also have their own set of challenges.

First, there is technology-based learning. If in the past you only used books and dictionaries, now you can learn English through apps, mobile devices, and language learning software. You can learn in a more interactive and flexible way. Teachers can also give you faster and more accurate feedback. One of the key benefits that digital technology offers for language acquisition is the ability to communicate with speakers of the target language from all over the world. Video conferencing tools and social media platforms have made it feasible to practice speaking and listening in real time with native speakers.

Second, there is project-based learning. So, you will be given an assignment to complete a project related to English. For example, you have to make a presentation or report in English. Exciting, right? This gives students a deeper grasp of the target culture and customs while also assisting them in their language learning.

The accessibility of a huge selection of resources, such as online dictionaries, grammar manuals, and language learning apps, is another potential that digital technology gives for language learning. These tools make it possible for students to learn at their own speed and at any time and place, which increases the accessibility and convenience of language learning.

Third, there is collaborative learning. You can work together with friends in groups to complete the tasks. You can learn from your friends to improve your English skills.

Even though there are lots of trends and innovations to follow, you can really handle them in a fun way. For example, you can find friends who share the same vision with you to study together. Or, you can join an English club in your campus. In this way, you can learn English while making friends and interacting with new people.

Apart from that, you also have to stay enthusiastic and consistent in learning English. Don't just study for an exam but try to learn English every day. For example, you can watch movies or listen to music in English or try chatting with your friends in English. This way will make you understand and master English more quickly. Thus, for future innovation, English teaching and learning will involve artificial intelligence (AI) as well. Finally, there is game-based learning that can make you learn English while playing games.

Students must use discretion when selecting which online resources to use because not all online resources are created equally. Some students may find it difficult to distinguish between trustworthy and effective sources, wasting time and effort on ones that don't provide accurate information or aren't appropriate for their language. The absence of direct communication and feedback is another issue. The advantages of direct engagement with a language teacher or native speaker cannot be replaced despite the fact that internet tools and resources might be helpful. It is essential for language proficiency improvement for students to have access to their teacher's instant feedback and correction in a regular classroom setting. Without this engagement, students could find it difficult to recognize and remedy their errors.

Additionally, digital technology faces the difficulty of distraction. Given the wealth of entertainment and social media options available on digital devices, it may be difficult for learners to retain concentration on their language learning objectives. They can be enticed to use their digital devices for enjoyment instead of learning which would lead to a lack of learning.

In conclusion, there are opportunities and difficulties associated with language acquisition in the digital age. Although the availability of digital tools and resources has increased accessibility and convenience of language study, students must also be selective in their resource selection and cognizant of the limitations of digital technology.

Language learners must communicate personally with teachers or lecturers and native speakers, remain committed to their language learning objectives, and prosper in the digital environment. Hopefully, all English teachers and students realized this. (****)

Ichi Ahada, M.M, M.Pd adalah dosen Bahasa Inggris Fakultas Keguruan dan Ilmu Pendidikan Universitas Mulawarman. Tulisan ini disunting oleh Dr. Sulistyani, M.Pd, dosen Prodi Pendidikan Bahasa Inggris Universitas Nusantara PGRI Kediri dan anggota Perkumpulan Ilmuwan Social Humaniora Indonesia (PISHI).