Online Language Learning in New Zealand’s Primary Schools: Exploring the Impact of One Initiative

Abstract

In the context of New Zealand, a dedicated curriculum area for learning international languages is relatively new and has offered both opportunities and challenges. On the one hand, and contrary to the secondary sector where language learning uptake has declined, schools at the primary level have seen increases in numbers of students taking a language. On the other hand, the primary sector lacks specialist languages teachers and several schools are geographically isolated. One factor contributing to growth has been an initiative of the New Zealand government called Asian Language Learning in Schools (ALLiS) that provided funding to help schools establish or strengthen Asian language learning programmes. This chapter presents one initiative that received funding—the Virtual Learning Network Primary (VLNP). VLNP is a collaboration of schools established to support students through online learning opportunities, with a view to meeting the challenges of non-specialist staff and geographical isolation. We report findings from Stage Two of a two-year project funded by ALLiS. We draw on data from online surveys, student focus groups, and interviews with teachers, to explore the impact of the initiative. Overall, it was found that students enjoyed the online experience, describing it as fun, interesting and motivating in comparison with face-to-face learning. Teachers were also positive about the initiative, particularly gains in self-directed student learning. However, both teachers and students expressed frustrations around limited time for language learning online as well as technological challenges. We offer some pedagogical suggestions and see promise in further investment in e-learning initiatives.