HARVEST TIME – 21st-century learning ❀˖°

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Language learning took place in the past, and it still does in the present. Approaches to language learning might have changed, but they didn’t disappear. In the past, language learning was mostly limited to the classroom and was textbook-based. To learn a grammar rule, one gathered the textbooks and dictionaries, skimmed through each page. Yes, it worked, but it was time-consuming (and expensive). You were lucky if you could find someone who spoke that language around you to study your speaking skills. Unlike those times, with the improvements in technology, 21st-century learning is more practical. It allows you to practice your speaking skills online with the applications or websites designed for these goals that have millions of members around the world.

Before talking about the 21st century as a future teacher, I want to talk about it as a digital native with ADHD who used technology in many ways during my school life. I was asked to use online programs such as Canva, iMovie, Quizlet, Puppet Pals and many more to turn my language knowledge into a product. Was that necessary? That is arguable. But did that help me to learn the language? ABSOLUTELY. And I enjoyed every minute of those activities.

As a future teacher, I know that I will have students with diverse needs, and I need to find a way to make language learning fun and available for them. Even if we don't want to accept it, we humans love having control over things. Technology allows us to customise our learning process, which means when we integrate technology into our classroom our students will have the chance to adjust most of the topics, if not all, according to their needs and wants. They will feel included, and the language learning process will not be a burden for them.

We must accept that personalization opportunities and numerous sources that 21st-century learning provides us have made things easier. But do not forget, moderation in all things. Weigh up the pros and cons before depending on technology fully. Not everything on the internet is true and dependable.