DIGITAL LIBRARY
NURTURING LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY IN SPANISH-SPEAKING CHILDREN THROUGH DIGITAL COMPETENCE
Rey Juan Carlos University (SPAIN)
About this paper:
Appears in: INTED2024 Proceedings
Publication year: 2024
Pages: 7034-7041
ISBN: 978-84-09-59215-9
ISSN: 2340-1079
doi: 10.21125/inted.2024.1864
Conference name: 18th International Technology, Education and Development Conference
Dates: 4-6 March, 2024
Location: Valencia, Spain
Abstract:
This article explores into the intricate design and meticulous construction of a digital platform aimed at revolutionizing early-age English education, particularly for Spanish-speaking children. The focus of this work used an innovative methodologies, vibrant and engaging visuals, and a comprehensive approach to phonics. The principles of usability, accessibility, and user-centered design are intricately woven into every facet of the platform's architecture.

Introduction:
The acquisition of English as a foreign language in children is increasingly pivotal in modern education. As the world becomes more interconnected, English emerges as a fundamental tool for international communication and access to global educational and professional opportunities. The benefits of learning a foreign language from an early age have been well-documented, fostering cognitive development in children and young minds.
In this context, the teaching of English phonics emerges as a critical tool for comprehensive cognitive development, particularly in the formative years. Phonics, which focuses on the sounds of words, plays a pivotal role in teaching English to children. The correct pronunciation, entrenched in phonics, is foundational for learning and refining English pronunciation, especially in children who possess an innate capacity for acquiring foreign languages from an early age.
To address this need, a digital platform has been conceived to facilitate English learning through phonics from the age of two and onwards. English, with its lack of direct correspondence between sounds and letters, necessitates the teaching of proper pronunciation through phonics. The platform ensures that the sounds are tailored to be akin to those in Spanish, easing the learning curve for pronunciation.

The development of the website and its included content is laser-focused on English pronunciation through phonics. Tailored activities are designed to meet the diverse needs of children and align with the educational objectives of teachers. The objectives include:
- Facilitating phonics learning through an intuitive and accessible environment.
- Motivating and engaging children through gamification strategies and interactive resources.
- Providing a diverse array of educational resources, including songs, activities, readings, and supplementary materials, to bolster the phonics teaching and learning process.
- Offering support to teachers and parents through the inclusion of resources and guidance to comprehend and support children's phonics learning.

Additionally, a crucial aspect is the incorporation of visual codes to facilitate the comprehension of words that do not adhere to phonetic norms, commonly known as "sight words." This enhances a child's retention ability and ensures a more holistic language learning experience.

In conclusion, this research article embarks on a journey to reshape early-age English education for Spanish-speaking children through an innovative and engaging digital platform. The integration of phonics, gamification, and visual codes ensures a holistic and effective approach to language learning. The principles of usability, accessibility, and user-centered design serve as guiding lights, ensuring that the platform caters to the diverse needs of young learners. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, such initiatives stand as beacons, fostering linguistic diversity and opening doors to global opportunities.
Keywords:
English education, phonics, digital platform, gamification, early-age learning, language acquisition.