This thesis will concentrate on previous and current learning methods of French as a foreign language. This understanding will help to plot the rapidness of evolution within foreign-language teaching. In conjunction with this evolution the thesis will also give a brief overview of the exponential development of technology. It will focus specifically on how technology created a new way of learning. The aim of this thesis is to depict whether there is a need to adapt the French language classroom with the current learning technologies in use. The thesis will also show that since people are different and since each generation differs in its learning preference, that technology can help to bridge the ever-growing gap between the learner and the learning material since people learn work on different ways. According to the proof that generations differ from each other and that the current young generation is referred to as the Net-generation, it will be clearly shown that this generation prefers to learn with technology. The correct mix of learning methods, learning technologies and different learning styles is one that is humanly impossible to achieve in a conventional way. It is on this basis then that the thesis will show that the correct e-learning technology should form an integral part of the new language classroom as it is the only solution to ensure that learning stays current and adaptive, and that it keeps on playing an important part in the evolution of mankind. Furthermore, a brief study will be conducted on the current and prospective use of e-learning technologies in the French language classroom of South Africa. / Thesis (MA (French))--University of Pretoria, 2004. / Modern European Languages / unrestricted

Researchers have explored how different balances of first language (L1) and target language (TL) use in a foreign language classroom impact students' fluency and proficiency in TL acquisition. Research has shown that the use of the L1 in a foreign language classroom is done in order to determine the most effective way to raise the proficiency of second language learners to the level that is expected within their classrooms (Lee & Muncie, 2006). The use of the L1 is not something that is uncommon, even in the highest levels of foreign language instruction, although some believe it could inhibit learner growth in target language (TL) acquisition (Tanveer, 2007). Some scholars contend that there is a place for the L1 to be used in a second language classroom, rather than relying on complete usage of the TL (Biggs, 1999). Results have been mixed when it comes to whether or not the L1 should be used as much as the TL, and studies have seldom investigated what students and teachers believe regarding that matter. To this end, the present study examines the impact of the use of the L1 vs the use of the TL on 50 students at different levels in the French language classroom. Subjects were all enrolled in French classes ranging from the 101-level to the 201-level, and the 8 student instructors teaching these levels also participated in this study. Both a student survey and a teacher survey were administered at the end of the semester in order to look at the use of the TL vs the use of the L1 among students and teachers in their classrooms. Results show that the utilization of the L1 in foreign language classrooms is preferred by the students but that it is not fully justified. Numerous proponents of L1 use (Atkinson, 1987; Cook 2001; Swain & Lapkin, 2000; Wells, 1999) have cautioned against excessive use, instead recommending that it be used judiciously, and according to learner need. Future researchers might consider surveying students who are learning in an environment where L1 use is similar to student demand on this survey (very high, especially for things like giving instructions), as well as surveying students who are exclusively using TL in their learning environment.