^[1] Technology–blended learning, in particular–can have a positive impact on foreign language learning.

Although educators and policy makers emphasize skills in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) courses, today’s students are competing in a global society–and foreign language skills can help students gain an edge when it comes to college acceptance and workforce success.

Boosting foreign language learning in schools is a global discussion, and when it comes to global competition, some experts worry that the U.S. is losing out on a key opportunity to marry technology and foreign languages.

Blended learning offers a perfect solution to this conundrum, because it combines self-paced study, scalable resources, an immersion environment, increased student engagement, practice with other speakers, and extended learning time, said Gail Palumbo, former director of curriculum and technology in New Jersey’s Montgomery Township Schools Palumbo is now the Lead Faculty – Area Chair for Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Phoenix Online.

Blended learning can help, Palumbo said during an edWeb webinar, because U.S. schools have limited resources, including little time during the school day, finite teacher resources, and, perhaps most notably, declining budgets. Teachers can reach more students, and students can access important resources outside of the normal school day, through blended learning, she said.

(Next page: How districts and countries are changing their approach to foreign language learning)Students can access a number of online resources to help boost their comprehension. Websites such as Duolingo ^[2], Imendi ^[3], Lingt Classroom ^[4], Lyrics Gap ^[5], Memrise ^[6],Nabber ^[7], Nulu Languages ^[8], and Word Steps ^[9] all offer technology-based help for foreign language learning.

“We need to prepare students for a global economy,” Palumbo said. “Borders between nations and economy are disappearing. There is an increased need for multi-lingual talent.”

Many foreign language learning classes in today’s schools focus on grammar and translation, and hold students to low standards, but Palumbo said students should leave a series of foreign language classes having received specific language instruction focused on travel and survival skills in a native-speaking country.

Some U.S. districts and other nations are placing a renewed emphasis on foreign language learning and global competition:

Palumbo said research indicates that foreign language learning influences:

• Cognitive ability: A positive relationship between early second language learning and improved mental processes, including conceptual learning

• Achievement gains: Those studying foreign languages performed better on state assessments than those who did not; learning a second language is especially beneficial to the academic achievement of minority and low-income families

• The wise use of technology: The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, in its 2012 report, states that computer-based programs are increasingly used by qualified teachers to supplement and/or differentiate instruction, boost access to native speakers, and provide practice

“We need to take a look at the power that a world language education or program can give our students,” she said.