Possible Limitations and Potentials of Digital Learning Material for Refugees

Abstract

The acquisition of the German language is considered as one of the most important prerequisites for the successful integration of refugees in Germany. However, the necessary structures for a systematic language training right from the start are frequently still missing. In the search for a solution to this problem, digital learning material is of great importance. This context is characterized by unrealistic expectations concerning the benefit of digital learning material for the target group as well as generalizations concerning the target group. Therefore, it is an overall goal of this article to make a small contribution to the objectification of the debate. First of all, it gives a short overview over digital learning opportunities that can support refugees to learn German by themselves. Following, categories needed for analyzing digital learning material for refugees will be presented. Within the scope of my master’s thesis, I developed these categories and applied them to the language learning app Ankommen and the online language course DaFür to demonstrate concrete strengths and weaknesses of these programs. This article presents the main results of my analysis. Finally, emphasis is placed on the question of what can be the value of digital learning material for the language acquisition of refugees and how the potentials of digital learning material in this specific context can be better used.