Education Eye - Mapping Innovations. JISC : Supporting education and research. Social networking threat to language learning. Research into the impact of technology on language learning has found that the growing use of English in social networking sites is creating a threat to the learning of other languages, of more formal English and even to learners’ first languages.
The researchers, from across Europe, also found that the use of gaming holds great promise, but is to date largely unexploited in language learning. The European Commission initiated study investigated the impact of ICT and new media on language learning, across eight European countries. The study found that the rise of virtual worlds and of massive multiplayer role playing games hold great potential for the use of different languages and learning in this informal environment. The study also recommends further research into the development of Personalised Learning Environments (PLEs), where users generate content, use informal learning models and environments and control their own learning.