Simple Explanation (ELI5)

Imagine having a super toolkit for studying languages: it works, but you often only use it for a couple of simple things, while there are more powerful tools you don't know about. Students feel proud of their 'computer' but often use it as if it were just for Googling, instead of leveraging specialized 'translation robots' designed just for them.

Key Advantages & Current Limits

🟢 Pros: Students feel confident with technology and use common tools like Google, which are easy to find and use. 🔴 Cons: They underutilize specialized resources like Linguee or DeepL, and often ignore university-provided tools, missing opportunities to enhance their skills.

Future Outlook & Takeaways

In the next 3-5 years, universities may introduce mandatory digital literacy courses, with hands-on workshops on specialized translation tools and easier access to academic resources. This will make students more competent and job-ready, as advanced tech use is increasingly required in the workplace.

Do students really use digital tools as they should?

Article

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Have you ever thought about how important digital tools are for language and translation studies? A study at the University of Maribor in Slovenia found that English and translation students feel confident with technology but don't use it to its full potential. Many prefer Google over specialized academic platforms. This creates a gap between what they know and what they actually do. Experts suggest more training and targeted use of digital tools in study programs. In short, technology is there, but we need to learn how to use it best!

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The study highlighted that students tend to underutilize digital resources specific to their discipline. For example, platforms like Linguee or DeepL Translator, designed for translation, are less used compared to Google Translate. Additionally, many students are unaware of the resources offered by their university, such as academic databases or specialized software. This underutilization can limit their linguistic and translation skills. To bridge this gap, universities could integrate digital literacy courses into study programs, offering practical workshops and guides on how to best use the available tools. Furthermore, structured onboarding could help students familiarize themselves with institutional resources from the start of their academic journey.