So about technology...good, bad? The jury is still out and everyone has a different opinion. My inclination has always been to limit the amount of time my kids watch TV. I like to make things hard for myself ;) The reality is that there is a place for most technology including when it comes to learning anything. We will not get into the pros and cons of watching television now... that is a topic for another day :)
What is true is that television is high on the entertainment value. It is unstructured, highly visual and unaided. I think it is the same for ipads/iphone, singing, or video games. Regardless of the intrinsic value, I think television can play a role in learning a second language. Here are some benefits:
1. It provides audio in a language you may not otherwise hear - particularly if the target language is not spoken at home.
2. Even when you may not understand, there are pictures that go along with the speaking - I equate it to a toddler's book. They don't understand the written language, but can certainly undertaken the story through the illustrations.
3. Available to most people in any setting - This is not unlike reading a book to a child that does not yet know how to read.
So, in moderation, I would say give it a try!!