The relationship between digital competency, learning styles and learners’ perception of traditional versus technology-assisted language learning

Abstract

The face of education is bound to be reshaped due to the changing needs of students, imposed by new and emerging technologies. The educational system has been stuck in time for generations, and while some improvements have been made, there is still a long way to go before the means of teaching and learning entailed by educational programs and institutions is fully adapted to the new digital age and learner profiles. There are numerous benefits of incorporating computer and mobile tools in the teaching and learning methods and its effectiveness has been demonstrated through numerous studies, some of which are referred to in this research paper. Technology allows students and teachers to interact and engage in creative ways through a digital environment that enables students of divergent learning styles to simultaneously learn lessons in a personalized manner that will ensure successful learning and performance. This research presents the results of a survey conducted with 50 learners in Bosnia and Herzegovina, between ages 18 and 47, which was conducted for the purpose of exploring relationships between digital competency, learning styles, and learners’ attitudes towards traditional versus digital means of education. The research found that there is a strong preference for technology-assisted learning where participants primarily chose video as a learning medium, followed by voice recordings, music, podcasts, and practical use of the language with native or highly proficient speakers of the language learned. The study results, therefore, suggest a necessity for the application of an eclectic approach in education.