Professor Rau Der-Hwa Victoria from the Institute of Linguistics at National Chung Cheng University visited Tunghai University on November 22nd to share insights on the integration of digital technology in language learning. Professor Rau is a prominent linguist in Taiwan, with expertise in Austronesian linguistics, sociolinguistics, and applied linguistics.
Professor Rau has been actively involved in the digital archiving of Yami language (Tao), Filipino, and Indonesian. He has incorporated digital tools into teaching, using CoSpaces, a 3D virtual reality software, to allow students to create animated stories that solidify grammar and vocabulary. By combining linguistic learning with digital tools, students become not only language learners but also creators of language teaching materials. This approach not only enhances their language skills but also cultivates a secondary proficiency in digital tools, applicable to future learning and employment.
Director Liu Mei-Hui (right) of the Department of Foreign Languages and Literature presents a gift to Professor Rau Der-Hwa Victoria (left).
In the context of nurturing indigenous language teachers, Professor Rau recommends the use of digital tools suitable for native speakers. Taking Animaker as an example, older indigenous language teachers find it user-friendly. Through Animaker's animation software, they can conduct thorough language training and produce digital teaching materials that align with indigenous culture. Digital tools enable teachers to interpret the cultural nuances of language, and through repeated discussions during the production process, they strengthen indigenous language reflection and practical, diverse acquisition. This approach sparks the imagination of young indigenous language learners when using animated materials in future classes.
Whether in foreign language learning or indigenous teacher training, Professor Rau emphasizes that traditional textbook-based teaching methods within the confines of a classroom limit the fluidity of language and hinder students' active engagement. Through digital technology, combined with practical learning of language and cultural content, intellectual transformation leads to personal achievements.
Group photo with students (front row, from left: Professor Lee Chia-Lien from the Department of Chinese, Director Stano Kong from the International Graduate Program of Teaching Chinese as a Second Language, Professor Rau Der-Hwa Victoria, Professor Hsiao Chi-Hua from the Department of Foreign Languages and Literature; second row, the person in the middle wearing a mask is Director Liu Mei-Hui from the Department of Foreign Languages and Literature).
Professor Rau advises university students, known as the "Digital Native," to make the most of digital tools to aid language learning, particularly in the concepts of everyday conversation and language communities, enhancing the effectiveness with vivid situational contexts. Professor Rau also emphasizes the need for teachers to provide sufficient resources to help students grasp the innovative education of the digital age, enjoying the knowledge synergy brought by the combination of "technology, pedagogy, and content knowledge"(TPACK).
From left: Director Stano Kong, Professor Rau Der-Hwa Victoria, Dean Chou Wen-Hui from the College of Arts.
During the conference, attending teachers sought advice from Professor Rau regarding the operational details of integrating digital tools with language teaching, including assistant training and assessment mechanisms. Professor Rau generously shared successful training mechanisms and explained the reasons behind cases of achieving more with less effort.
Professor Rau specializes in the preservation and teaching of Austronesian languages in Taiwan and Southeast Asia. Although Tunghai University's faculty in the College of Arts primarily focuses on teaching Chinese, English, Japanese, or European languages, the core values of teaching and research are evident in the directions of student autonomy, effective use of digital tools, and the integration of learning and creativity. The interaction between teachers and students fosters continuous improvement, making the path of digital humanities in the College of Arts at Tunghai University promising.