Technology in the Classroom
English language teachers should learn about technology because technology has become an integral part of the teaching and learning process in many educational contexts, including English Language Teaching (ELT). By learning about technology and how it can be effectively used in the classroom, ELT teachers can enhance their teaching practices and improve their students' learning outcomes.
Some reasons why English language teachers should learn about technology include:
Enhancing Instruction: Technology can be used to enhance instruction by providing teachers with access to a wide range of resources, such as multimedia materials, online learning platforms, and language learning apps. These resources can help teachers to create more engaging and effective lessons that cater to their students' individual learning needs.
Engaging Learners: Technology can be used to engage learners and make learning more enjoyable and interactive. For example, teachers can use gamification techniques to make learning English more fun, or they can use multimedia materials such as videos and podcasts to make lessons more engaging and relevant to learners' interests.
Preparing Learners for the Future: Technology is an integral part of the modern world, and English language learners will need to be able to use technology effectively in order to communicate and collaborate in their personal and professional lives. By using technology in the classroom, ELT teachers can help learners to develop the digital literacy skills they need to succeed in the 21st century.
Keeping Up with Trends: Technology is constantly evolving, and by keeping up with the latest trends and developments, ELT teachers can ensure that their teaching practices remain relevant and effective. For example, teachers can learn about new language learning apps or online learning platforms and incorporate them into their teaching practices to improve their students' learning outcomes.
Audio & Podcasts
References & Resources
Blake, R. J. & Chun, D. M. (2008). Brave new digital classroom: Technology and foreign language learning. Georgetown University Press.
Levy, M. J. & Stockwell, G. (2006). Call dimensions: Options and issues in computer assisted language learning. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
Fotos, S. & Browne, C. M. (Eds.) (2004). New perspectives on CALL for second language classrooms. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.
Beatty, K. (2003). Teaching and researching computer-assisted language learning. Pearson ESL.
Chapelle, C. & Jamieson, J. (2008). Tips for teaching CALL. Pearson ESL.
Dudeney, G. (2007). The Internet and the language classroom (2nd ed.). Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.
De Szendeffy, J. (2005). A practical guide to using computers in language teaching. University of Michigan Press.
Dudeney, G. (2007). The Internet and the language classroom (2nd ed.).