2018 - Scenario-based digital conversational simulation software in the training of future language teachers in higher education. An empirical approach

Scenario-based digital conversational simulation software in the training of future language teachers in higher education. An empirical approach

Arvanitis, P. (2018). Scenario-based digital conversational simulation software in the training of future language teachers in higher education. An empirical approach. Proceedings of 11th International Conference of Education, Research and Innovation, (ICERI 2018). Seville 12-14/11/2018, (pp. 9122-9126). Seville, Spain: International Academy of Technology, Education and Development (IATED). ISBN: 978-84-09-05948-5

 This paper presents a recently conducted empirical course in the school of French of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, that aimed to introduce the use of Scenario-Based Digital Conversation Simulation Software in the education of future language teachers in a higher education class. The early digital adulthood of today’s language learners, requires, in the field of teaching a foreign language, language learning digital tools that are, not only suitable to their needs but capable to assist them to construct personal technology-enhanced language learning experiences. From a language teacher’s perspective, the right selection and use of these ICT software tools become an important issue, therefore any future professor must be familiar with these, in order to increase motivation and guide their students through an interesting process of language acquisition.

In the higher education area, the training provided to the future foreign language teachers should include familiarization with modern ICT tools, such as scenario-based digital conversation simulation software, and should enable them to find ways to exploit the new digital technologies, to engage their students and to master and deliver professional language courses.

In the above context, the present study describes two recently conducted courses to higher education' classes related to the use of scenario-based digital conversation simulation software and the creation of digital conversational simulations. In this paper, we proposed a set of basic uses of Scenario-based Conversation Simulation software based on empirical approaches and techniques that we have followed in these courses and then we suggest scenario-based simulations suitable for the training of future language teachers.

Keywords: Mobile assisted language learning, language learning, language activities, foreign language.

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