THE USE OF VISUAL AIDS (PRINTED OR DIGITAL FORMAT) IN LANGUAGE TEACHING ACTIVITIES TO PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN ROMANIA
THE USE OF VISUAL AIDS (PRINTED OR DIGITAL FORMAT) IN LANGUAGE TEACHING ACTIVITIES TO PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN ROMANIA

Summary/Abstract: As shifting to a digitalized learning environment is exponentially playing an important role in education nowadays, moreover after the pandemic crises. The present paper focuses on the impact of the use of (electronic) visual aids in language teaching-learning in primary school. A research methodology was derived to investigate the effect of some visual aids (flashcards, printed and on a digital format) used in language learning on development of communication skills. The article highlights some important related work on how the technical development is changing the learning format and content providing both positive consequences (easily accessible content, no physical barrier to access information, a voice for those who cannot produce speech). The paper analyzes the implications of the electronic visual aids as effective teaching-learning tools in language-oriented activities/lessons in primary school settings. The main research questions addressed in this paper are as follows: to what extend visual aids (printed and digital-format flashcards) facilitate concept comprehension and vocabulary memorization; what are the important instructional design principles in organizing language learning activities by integrating printed and digital-format flashcards to promote a better communication and what is students’ most preferable type of visual aids: printed or digital-format flashcards. The target group was represented by 13 primary school teachers and their groups/classes of students (294 students). The results of the data analysis showed learners’ positive attitudes toward learning activities that included flashcards (printed and digitals) (satisfaction or perceived usefulness), and it was also found some improvement in student outcomes on vocabulary building.

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