Abstract:

Streaming media services such as Netflix have transformed the landscape of the international film and television market. European content, while becoming more widely available to a U.S. audience, has, at the same time, become more complex to access as competing platforms restrict access to various content in different regional markets. Meanwhile, the Spanish network Televisión Española (TVE) has been experimenting with transmedia in digital storytelling to includes apps, video games and virtual reality experiences. Furthermore, technology around streaming video can assist language learners in understanding content in a foreign language. Language learning applications, for example have been developed to manipulate the subtitle feeds of streaming media. At the same time, television shows such as El ministerio del tiempo, in providing new ways to interacting with their fanbase have simultaneously created opportunities for learners to not only interact with native speakers but also learn about the historic and cultural content embedded in the show. Furthermore, media providers such as FlixOlé, Kanopy and Filmin provide a deep library of content for students.

The following paper will discuss the design and implementation of two university courses using streaming media of Iberian film as course content along with the logistical challenges and pedagogical opportunities for teaching and learning within this environment. Both courses were created for intermediate Spanish language learners whose native language was predominantly English. The principle objectives of the courses were to provide opportunities to acquire second language proficiency in Spanish, to understand the history and culture of the Iberian Peninsula and to develop abilities critically analyze narrative. Understanding the complexities of international streaming media and transmedia can provide instructors with the tools for deeper engagement with foreign language content such that the pedagogical implications reach well beyond Spanish language instruction

Keywords:

Technology, language learning, film, second language acquisition.