Innovation in Language Learning

As technology becomes increasingly pervasive in our lives, the necessity for technological solutions to indigenous language loss grows. Studies that address gaps and areas for improvement in current technology aimed at revitalizing and reviving languages are required to intentionally and successfully empower a new generation of indigenous language speakers. This non-experimental study sought to survey existing Kichwa language learning mobile applications, determining content and usability rubric criteria by which to assess features of the apps. Graded content criteria quantified the degree to which each app’s content was culturally relevant, was aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, included interactive exercises, provided immediate feedback, and was gamified. The rubric also included ease-of-use criteria regarding: the user interface, offline access availability, platform availability for teachers, audio quality, image quality, tests and evaluations, progress tracking, technical support, and the inclusion of additional resources. The analysis of graded rubrics revealed significant areas for improvement and current content and usability gaps among apps, especially regarding the authentic integration of culture, grammar and vocabulary teaching pedagogy, and the availability of high-quality resources for Kichwa language learning. The rubric criteria may contribute to discourse around assessment of indigenous language learning mobile applications, and the findings will inform technological efforts to revitalize the Kichwa language.

Keywords: Kichwa language learning, mobile applications, feature survey, language revitalization, indigenous language ICT

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