August 2011

    Joining the Digital Dots

    August 2011 Cover

    Traditionally every August, we publish our annual focus on technology, hoping that many readers will have a little extra time over the summer to assess the latest developments and work out where they can find the means to finance them. However, technology has now become so much a part of not only the language education process but communication in general that we would find it difficult to publish any issue without covering technical innovations.

    Because of this plethora of products and current budgetary woes, it is more important than ever to take the time to assess the value of new programs and devices before jumping on the speeding technology bus, so our August issue will continue to focus on technology with the emphasis on the practical — making technology work instead of getting carried away by the latest gadget. In this edition, there’s a feature on classroom tasks suited to interactive whiteboards, a round-up of the latest internet-based language programs, and an in-depth look at how Arabic designers have tackled the challenge of adapting their language to the Latin script bias of the digital age. More

    IN THIS ISSUE:

    Reach Out and Read (Aloud)
    Stephen Krashen with an inexpensive, simple approach to closing the equity gap in literacy

    Separado o Together?
    Else Hamayan reflects on the separation of languages of instruction

    Enlivening the Board
    Sarah Withee offers advice on using interactive whiteboards for communicative language teaching

    Web of World Languages
    Language Magazine’s selection of the latest in online world language learning

    Changing the Face of Arabic
    Sandy Saghbini and Raisa Zaidi explain the complex, controversial, and creative impact of technology on Arabic typeface development

    Staying True to Type
    Sandy Saghbini asks Rana Abou Rjeily, creator of Mirsaal typeface, how type designers adapt to changing demands

    Renaissance? What Renaissance?
    Mourad Boutros shares his passion for creativity with Arabic design

    Spanish from Cartagena to Patagonia
    Language Magazine looks at study abroad options in Colombia and Argentina

    Last Writes
    Richard Lederer with Good Book words

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    7 COMMENTS

    1. I think we need a lingua franca for the World as well.

      So which language should it be?

      The British learn French, the Australians study Japanese and the Americans prefer Spanish.

      Yet this leaves Mandarin Chinese out of the equation.

      Why not a neutral non-national language like Esperanto :)

      Not many people know about this language. Have a look at http://www.lernu.net which is currently receiving 125,000 hits per month.

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