Widening access to language learning in the institutes of technology in the Republic of Ireland

Abstract

Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the Republic of Ireland have been called to widen participation in language learning by the government’s Languages Connect Strategy. The challenge is to increase the level of participation from 4% to 20%. Moreover, a recent nationwide study has revealed a grassroots demand for language provision that is currently unmet, and that prevailing perceptions of a lack of curricular space for languages may be one of the overriding obstacles to change. Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL) provides a possible solution to this dilemma, as it enables various forms of content located on virtual learning platforms to be accessed from anywhere. There is certainly a case for widening participation in language learning by harnessing new technologies. Online platforms create virtual spaces for language learning that transcend the confines of the traditional language classroom. MALL provides unlimited access to learning content and offers the potential for synchronous interaction with native speakers. Existing market leaders of MALL certainly have a global reach; however, their underlying pedagogy has been called into question. Further research and innovation are needed to create pedagogically sound learning platforms that might motivate language acquisition. Third level language educators need to create online learning pathways for languages, thereby overcoming perceived obstacles to change and bringing the second language acquisition process into the 21st century.