WebQuest

How to Teach English with Technology

Introduction

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     The global spread of English over the last 40 years is remarkable. It is unprecedented in several ways: by its increasing number of users of the language; by its depth of penetrating into societies and by its range of functions. 
     Worldwide over 1.4 billion people live in countries where English has official status. Scientists comment that there has never been a language so widely spread or spoken by so many people as English. One out of five of world�s population speaks English with some degree of competence. Hereby over 70% of the world�s scientists read English, about 85% of the world�s mail is written in English. And 90% of all information in the world�s electronic retrieval is stored in English. And the most surprising fact is that the number of people who speak English as a second or foreign English exceeds the number of native speakers. In addition English is used for more purposes than ever before. And one in five (over one billion) is studying English nowadays.
     On the other hand Technology is an ever-increasing part of the English language classrooms nowadays. 
     Technology is becoming increasingly important in both our personal and professional lives and the learners of English are using technology more and more. Therefore the problem how to teach English with technologies is very actual for every teacher nowadays.
     But technology in language teaching is not new. Indeed, technology has been around in language teaching for decades � one might argue for centuries, if we classify the blackboard as a form of technology.
     Computer-based materials for language teaching, often referred as CALL (Computer Assisted Language Learning), appeared in the early 1980s. CALL activities are mostly CDs, teaching computer programs, computer test, encyclopedias. 
     In 1990s the term TELL (Technology Enhanced Language Learning) in response to the growing possibilities offered by the Internet.
     Today computers and the Internet allow people to connect, collaborate and communicate on-line. So, the term ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) is widely spread now. 
     Although the use of ICT by both English students and teachers is very important today, the use of technology in the classroom will become more popular. There are many reasons for it:
     � Such students as me are growing up with technology and it is a natural and integrated part of their lives. For us the use of technology is a way to bring the outside world into the classroom. And some of us will become teachers ourselves.
     � English as an International language, is being used in technologically mediated contexts.
     � The Internet presents us with the new opportunities for authentic tasks and materials.
     � The Internet offers excellent opportunities for collaboration and communication between learners who are geographically dispersed.
     � Technology is becoming increasingly mobile. It can be used not only in the classroom, lecture hall or computer classroom, but it can also be used at home, on the way to school, at any place on the planet.
     � Using of ICT tools give learners a great practice in all of four main language skills � speaking, listening, writing and speaking on the principally new and effective level.
     As for grammar, the increase in the number of interactive exercises on CD-ROM and the web has undoubtedly benefited the learners. Students can practice 24 hours 7 days a week and receive instant feedback.
     Using ICT provides many benefits in studying vocabulary; it allows students to cross-check between bi-lingual dictionaries and mono-lingual dictionaries, and encouraging them to review language.
In the area of the receptive skills, listening and reading, the effect of technology has been huge. The Internet has provided a vast range of material, offering many more opportunities for exposure to authentic materials, both audio and text.
     As for writing and speaking the Internet gives students the opportunity to organize discussions with native speakers using Skype and e-mail.
     

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