Why technology in second language teaching (SLT)?

Prepared by:
Ma. Olsa Pema
Msc.Erma Pema

To analyze the role of IT in SLT in order to contribute
to its integration as a pedagogical tool in the SLT
process
To assess the role of IT in SLT to determine a
necessary balance measuring all its advantages and
disadvantages in comparison with the traditional
methods
To raise the social consciousness of actors (teachers,
trainers, learners, policy makers) of the limitless
options of IT in SLT.
To contribute to the major goal of intercultural global
education
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ICT – a powerful communication tool
1. Intercultural communication
Facilitates human interaction
Expands the potential for interactive participation
(social networking, etc)
Relieves cultural tensions
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Promotes & develops the sociolinguistic &
sociopragmatic features of discourse
The free use of real info raises awareness of the
existence of informal language varieties/registers.
The number of online discourse options increases
Involves students in constant prolonged
communication with natives
Linguistic exchanges on the net create a context
which helps to develop sociopragmatic competence
(various forms of address correspond to certain social
meanings)
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a. Promotes linguistic accuracy through peer assistance
Learners remark on language uses
Learners analyze & evaluate their own language
product
b. Peer feedback enhances learners’ concentration upon
language development.
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Traditional methods:
SLT – a time-consuming activity (700-1300h)
Poor insufficient information
Raising contacts with the target language – a costly
activity (3%)
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The Internet - an authentic tool
Amplifies students’ attention to linguistic form
A stimulus for SL production
A safe form for discussion possibilities
Creates global learning networks
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Enrollment pressure in public schools
Distance learning
Solution to curricular problems for less known
languages
Creation of online qualitative materials for all levels
of proficiency
Recapture of students’ interest in course studies
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Phobias
The technology of today is all we need to know
IT will replace teachers’ work
IT - detached from the learning process
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No English classes in the computer room
No necessary training
Embarrassment – students know more about IT
Use of textbooks only
Lack of comfort in class
Online material preparation: a time-consuming
activity (5 classes to teach each day)
Overcrowded classes (approx. 40students)
High cost and low speed of the Internet
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Authenticity
Free accessibility
The internet – a communication network (interaction
teacher-student, student-student)
Development of language skills (speaking, listening,
reading, writing, language structure)
Distance learning – a new profitable approach
Immediate contacts with the culture of the target
language
Internet – a motivation tool
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1. High financial cost
2. Online navigation – a frustrating experience
get lost on the net
get stuck on the page
dubious authority of information
3. Frequent technical problems – plan B
4. Redimensioning of teachers’ and students’ roles –
difficult to conceive and apply
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The advantages of IT in SLT – too important to
ignore its use in the classroom
Find a balance between IT tools and traditional
ones
Professional trainings for teachers – important to
fulfill the new roles
Integrate IT in SLT activities - IT a pedagogical
tool whose value determined by its application in
response to concrete class objectives)
Think about sound pedagogical reasons for using
(or not ) technology!
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THANK YOU!
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