Adaptation of Conventional Technologies with Refugee Language Learners: An Overview of Possibilities

Abstract

Most research on language acquisition using technology generally investigates collegiate language learners. However, it is unclear as to how well these findings apply to refugee learners, who sometimes have experienced interrupted schooling and had little exposure to technologies found in the resettlement context. Little research concentrates on the use of technology to aid language acquisition among this population. By better understanding the digital literacies refugees already possess, the author are better able to bridge this digital divide (Thorne & Reinhardt, 2008; Warschauer, 2002) and move toward researching how to capitalize on the technological skills refugees already possess in order to facilitate language learning. Therefore, this chapter reviews available literature on how refugees worldwide use multiple forms of technology, their levels of access to such technology, and considerations for pre- and post-resettlement technological options. It identifies best practices for employing technology to facilitate language acquisition in light of the multifaceted constraints refugees face. It concludes by outlining the suitability of different technologies as a means of facilitating language development within a myriad of contexts and gives recommendations for future research on using technology to facilitate language learning at all proficiency levels.

Citation

Smyser, H. (2019), "Adaptation of Conventional Technologies with Refugee Language Learners: An Overview of Possibilities", Sengupta, E. and Blessinger, P. (Ed.) Language, Teaching, and Pedagogy for Refugee Education (Innovations in Higher Education Teaching and Learning, Vol. 15), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 125-139. https://doi.org/10.1108/S2055-364120180000015010