Language

By: Kelsey Turner andStephanie Sullivan

Language• Definition: the system of words or signs that people use

to express thoughts and feelings to each other (Merriam-Webster).

Importance• Languages are important to 21st century education

because there is a growing linguistic diversity in societies around the world but there are not a large variety of language offerings at schools and universities (Blanco).

• This is a problem because with a growing rate of language diversity, schools should be offering a large variety of language classes that students can take.

Role in 21st Century Education• Today’s world allows for students to interact with each

other in various ways through the use of technology and social media.

• Language plays an important role in 21st centaury education because there is more linguistic diversity amongst students. It is important that more language classes are offered in high schools and universities for this reason. Technology can be used as an effective tool in these classes because it provides several ways for students to interact with each other in and outside of the classroom.

Implementing Technology• 5 Tools learned in this class…

1. The use of social media in the classroom (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) This can help with students learning about different cultures around the world. They can visit different school’s social media’s and learn about language and culture.

2. Videos Students can create videos or even video chat with different students from around the world to compare language and culture.

3. Visual Images Photoshop Students can create posters of different translations or cultures to hang in the classroom as visual aids.

4. Blogs Students can create blogs and visit blogs of other students from around the world to learn about culture and language.

One specific example• Facebook

A classroom could use Facebook as a tool to learn about language and culture. What the class would do is create a their own Facebook account as one whole class. On the account the class can fill out information about themselves and everything about their culture that they like. For example they can like their favorite movies, food, music. They can also add pictures and videos of the class.

Next the class would friend another classes Facebook page from a different part in the world and they will compare the differences in culture. The two classes can even keep in touch throughout the year by commenting on each others walls.

Conclusion• The ability to use language in different forms allows

students to solve problems and learn about a different culture other than their own.

• According to Vygotsky, language is important for comprehending and actually using one’s knowledge (Vygotsky).

• Language allows people to communicate and interact in multiple ways, and express one’s thoughts or feelings about the world around them.

Works Cited• Blanco, Harold. “21st Century Education.” November

2015. PowerPoint presentation.• "Language." Merriam-Webster. Merriam- Webster,

n.d. Web. 02 Dec. 2015. <http://www.merriam-webster.com/>.

• Vygotsky, L. S. (1962). Thought and language. Cambridge MA: MIT Press.