Digital Literacy (05/05/14)

Technology and Language Teaching

If there is one place to find acronyms, technology would be that place.  There are non-computer based and computer based technology that are beneficial in the language-learning environment.  By now you might know that a CD is a compact disc, and a DVD is a digital video disc or digital versatile disc.  Believe it or not, some of us still use audio- and videotapes, along with stand-alone overhead projectors.  Thanks to the evolution of technology and the constant development of new applications and devices, many of the things we have become comfortable in using are now, or soon will be obsolete.

With this in mind, Brown (2007) gives us some information about the practical applications of CALL - Computer-Assisted Language Learning.  CMC, or computer-mediated communication has become more widely accepted as an alternative phrase to CALL.  Technology-mediated language learning (TMLL) attempts to capture the essence of efforts to integrate technology into pedagogical theories, allowing for it to go beyond computer science.

In the classroom,  there are multiple uses of CALL:

* Collaborative projects

* Peer-editing of compositions

* E-mail

* Blogs

* Web-based discussion boards

* Web page design

* Videoconferencing

* Reinforced class materials

* Podcasting

* Games and Simulations

* Speech recognition software

* Word search - context and collocations

* Multimedia presentations

I have had the awesome opportunity to experience new advances in language technology. Last year, I conducted an interview with a Taiwanese English teacher and continue to use technology to maintain active communication.  At one point in life (as recent as last year, sadly), I could have been considered a Luddite (one who dislikes technology to the point of attempting to destroy it).  However, I have given in to the fact that new advances in communication and learning technology will make the task of language teaching an exciting and adventurous task.

Which of the above pictured tools have you been able to use in your language teaching?  Please share in the comments below.  Are there any that you did not see that you would be willing to share?  Thank you in advance!

Brown, H. D. (2007). Teaching by principles: An interactive approach to language 

             pedagogy (3^rd edition). White Plains, NY: Pearson Education.

Image retrieved from http://blogs.ihes.com/tech-elt/?p=1384