Optimizing Foreign Language Acquisition with a Holistic Approach to Technology: Using Digital Film Production to Learn Spanish

Introduction

Nowadays, educators have at their disposition numerous technological tools with the capability of significantly improving foreign language acquisition. However, these possibilities cannot be brought to fruition unless the conceptualization, design, development, and deployment of technologies in support of second language learning are reconsidered.

Furthermore it has become indispensable for students to comprehend and represent knowledge in a multitude of formats. Consequently, new educational approaches using digitally based tools such as audio, video, and various digital systems, are increasingly required.

Purpose and Assumptions

This literature review will explore the challenges inherent to the integration of educational technology in foreign language acquisition environments. Particularly, it will present the ways in which digital communication technologies can be used as facilitators of linguistic proficiency.

Cognitive approach. One assumption is that presenting and analyzing various tools and approaches will clarify what technology and how technology can provide quality input, opportunities for communication, meaningful feedback, and individualized content to enhance motivation.

Socio-cognitive approach. Another basic assumption is that by using a participatory approach, students immerse themselves in various cultures while producing digital documents attesting their language skills. 

Statement of the problem

What and how can technology be used to optimize foreign language acquisition environments, especially with the use of digital film production in the Spanish classroom?  

The intent is to demonstrate that, within the assortment of technologies available to language educators, using digital film production to learn a foreign language is a practical and theoretically sound manner to use technological tools strategically. The holistic process, encompassing the use of authentic cultural artifacts; film equipment; editing software; the Internet (just to name a few technological devices) provides an opportunity to create a long-lasting awareness of the Hispanic world as well as a way to optimize the learning of its dominant language.  

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