Milli mála - 2022, Page 284
MILLI MÁLA
Milli mála 14/1/2022 283
Abstract
A survey of digital learning materials for children
learning L2 Icelandic and families’ attitudes
towards children’s self-study
This article presents a study with a twofold focus: to create an over-
view of all electronic material currently available online supporting
the learning of Icelandic as a second language (L2) for children aged
5–16, and to examine what attitude parents have toward their child-
ren using various tools and materials, and the frequency of use, dur-
ing their self-study at home. Despite many available online resources,
at present the electronic material is very poorly organized and diffi-
cult for families to locate and obtain. The method used in this study
was to catalogue relevant resources and providers of resources, such
as school textbook lists, web forums for teachers etc., into a compre-
hensive list of available resources with links to websites. In addition,
information is provided regarding variables such as which language
skill(s) are emphasized, target group, and format of learning mate-
rial. Alongside this study, a survey was also prepared and distributed
to the parents/guardians of all children who have taken part in the
summer language course Tungumálatöfrar, to shed light on the needs
and habits of children who study Icelandic at home. Results suggest,
among other things, that many different kinds of materials for learn-
ing Icelandic (L2) for children exist on the internet, but it is difficult
for the families to locate suitable materials that emphasize reading.
Keywords: Icelandic as a second language, digital learning materials,
computer-assisted language learning, self-study, children’s language
learning
BRANISLAV BÉDI OG KELSEY PAIGE HOPKINS