This document discusses the importance of language education in the 21st century. It notes that linguistic diversity is growing globally but language offerings in schools are limited. Technology can help address this by allowing students to interact and learn about other cultures through social media, videos, blogs, and communication apps. Specifically, the document proposes that classes create Facebook pages to share cultural information and connect with classes in other parts of the world to compare differences.

1. Language
By: Kelsey Turner and
Stephanie Sullivan

2. Language
• Definition: the system of words or signs that people use
to express thoughts and feelings to each other (Merriam-
Webster 2015).

3. Importance
• Languages are important to 21st century education
because there is a growing linguistic diversity in societies
around the world but there are not a large variety of
language offerings at schools and universities (Blanco
2015).
• This is a problem because with a growing rate of
language diversity, schools should be offering a large
variety of language classes that students can take.
• The speaking of different languages can sometimes
create division amongst groups of people. By placing
more importance on learning new languages, this ever-
changing world can become more united.

4. Role in 21st Century
Education
• Today’s world allows for students to interact with each
other in various ways through the use of technology and
social media.
• Language plays an important role in 21st centaury
education because there is more linguistic diversity
amongst students. It is important that more language
classes are offered in high schools and universities for
this reason. Technology can be used as an effective tool
in these classes because it provides several ways for
students to interact with each other in and outside of the
classroom.

5. Implementing Technology
• 5 Tools learned in this class…
1. The use of social media in the classroom (Facebook, Twitter,
etc.) This can help with students learning about different
cultures around the world. They can visit different school’s
social media’s and learn about language and culture.
2. Videos Students can create videos or even video chat with
different students from around the world to compare language
and culture.
3. Visual Images Photoshop Students can create posters of
different translations or cultures to hang in the classroom as
visual aids.
4. Blogs Students can create blogs and visit blogs of other
students from around the world to learn about culture and
language.
5. Zello Students can begin learning another language and then
practice their skills by communicating with other students from
around the world who speak the language they are using.

6. One specific example
• Facebook: Ms. Turner’s & Sullivan’s Classroom
A classroom could use Facebook as a tool to learn about
language and culture. What the class would do is create a
their own Facebook account as one whole class. On the
account the class can fill out information about themselves
and everything about their culture that they like. For
example they can like their favorite movies, food, music.
They can also add pictures and videos of the class.
Next the class would friend another classes Facebook page
from a different part in the world and they will compare the
differences in culture. The two classes can even keep in
touch throughout the year by commenting on each others
walls.

7. Conclusion
• The ability to use language in different forms allows
students to solve problems and learn about a different
culture other than their own.
• According to Vygotsky, language is important for
comprehending and actually using one’s knowledge
(Vygotsky).
• Language allows people to communicate and interact in
multiple ways, and express one’s thoughts or feelings
about the world around them.
• The use of language is key to exposing individuals to
different cultures and new ways of life.

8. Works Cited
• Blanco, Harold. “21st Century Education.”
November 2015. PowerPoint presentation.
• "Language." Merriam-Webster. Merriam- Webster, n.d.
Web. 02 Dec. 2015. <http://www.merriam-
webster.com/>.
• Vygotsky, L. S. (1962). Thought and language.
Cambridge MA: MIT Press.