Assignment nº 1

Technology in the classroom

Technology in language teaching:

 



Technology in language teaching  is not new, it has been around  in language teaching for decades, if we classify the blackboard as a form of technology.  Tape recorders, language laboratories and videos have been in use since the 1960s and 1970s, and are still used in classrooms around the world.

Computer-based materials for language teaching, often referred to as CALL, appeared in the early 1980s.CALL programs provide different activities and for all of these activities the computer then offers the learner feedback, whether the answer is correct or incorrect, and showing why the learner is mistaken.

As access to ICT has become widespread, so CALL has moved beyond the use of computer programs to embrace the use of internet and web-based tools. The term TELL appeared in the 1990s, in response to the growing possibilities offered by the Internet and communications technology.

The use of technology in the classroom is important, and there are many reasons for this:

v     Internet access is becoming available to learners.

v     Younger learners are growing up with technology, and it is natural and integrated part of their lives.

v     English, as an international language, is being used in technologically mediated contexts.

v     Technology, especially the Internet, presents us with new opportunities for authentic tasks and materials.

v     The Internet offers excellent opportunities for collaboration and communication between learners who are geographically dispersed.

v     Technology is offered with published materials such as  coursebooks and resource books for teachers.

v     Learners expect language school to integrate technology into teaching.

v     Technology offers new ways for practicing language and assessing performance.

v     Technology is becoming mobile. It can be used not only in the classroom, but also in computer room, at home and in internet cafes.

v     Using a range of ICT tools can give students exposure to and practice in all of the four main language skills.