A look into the future: how digital tools may advance language development

Abstract

Digital tools provide unique ways to support young language learners. To design and use these tools effectively, their strengths and shortcomings must be carefully evaluated. This chapter addresses how digital tools may transform the nature of social and physical interaction of children, focusing on vocabulary and narrative development in first and second language. The tools featured are social robots, augmented reality, virtual reality, virtual agents, and tangible user interfaces. We discuss the ways in which each of these tools can scaffold language development in children, and review the studies investigating their effectiveness. While further research is needed, current evidence indicates the high potential of these interactive technologies as scaffolding tools for children’s language development. This chapter suggests that digital tools can create novel forms of interactions for children and are especially beneficial for children with special needs and in assisting classroom teachers.