Technology in the Foreign Language Classroom

1
Technology in the Foreign Language Classroom

• A presentation by
• Carolyn Connelly
• Curt Collingwood

2
Old School Technology

• Overheads
• Slide Projectors
• Cassette Tapes
• Film Strips

3
Audio Technology

• Audio Cds are useful for students to hear a
  native speaker.

4
Visual Technology

• Students can watch academic videos that pertain
  to culture or history. They can also watch
  entertainment videos such as feature films and
  television programs.

5
Software

• Uses pictures, sounds and photos for student
  interest and clarification of material.
• Incorporates other materials such as workbooks,
  links to websites and a list of useful materials.
• Challenges students learning abilities and
  knowledge with games and presentations.
• Allows students to take an active role in the
  learning process.
• Students can hear native speakers and observe
  cultural traditions and customs through games,
  photos and listening activities.

6
Video and Voice Recording

• They can help note progress over time.
• Allow students to analyze and improve
  pronunciation.

7
Internet

• Various uses include
• Asynchronous computer conferencing (email)
• Synchronous computer conferencing (video
  conferencing, chat rooms)
• Online Learning (WebCT, Blackboard)

8
Using Email

• Increases writing and reading abilities
• Allow for interaction with other students, both
  native speakers and non-native speakers.
• Teachers role is arranging details of the
  activity.

9
Video Conferencing/ Chat Rooms

• Language exchange through simultaneous
  communication.
• Allows both reflection and interaction between
  students.
• Opportunity to communicate all over the country
  and around the world.
• Improves their verbal and writing skills.

10
Online Learning

• Incorporates traditional aspects of the classroom
  with online activities and discussions
• Examples of programs are WebCT and Blackboard

11
Conclusion

• In order to fully benefit from technology in the
  foreign language classroom one must
• Recognize that students can only learn from
  computers with the instruction and supervision of
  teachers.
• Respond to the fact that modern language learners
  are likely to be interested in and experienced
  with computers.
• Revise the curriculum so that technology plays a
  key role in it.
• Give committed teachers adequate training.
• Give teachers time to develop pathways for their
  learners.
• (Jones 366)

12
Bibliography

• Benson, Angela and Elizabeth Wright. Pedagogy
  and Policy in the Age of the Wired Professor.
  T.H.E. Journal 274 (1999). ERIC database. (9
  September 2003).
• Jones, Jeremy. CALL and the responsibilities of
  teachers and administrators. ELT Journal. 554
  (2001). ERIC database. (9 September 2003).
• Salaberry, M.R. The Use of Technology for Second
  Language Learning and Teaching A Retrospective.
  Modern Language Journal (2001).
• (13 September 2003).