ICT in the EFL Classroom

Hi there! This year we have worked with an article called “Technology in the Classroom” (Dudeney, G.& Hockly, N). It deals with the use of technology in the classroom, making emphasis not only on its importance for the teaching and learning process, but also on the fact that technology is not new since we could consider traditional tools such as the board as technology as well. But, even though technology has been present in language teaching since the 1960s and 1970s, nowadays it plays a more important role in engaging 21st century students. Technology in the EFL classroom is already part of our EFL classrooms. Nowadays many students can access to these communication technologies, and they find it much more motivating and enjoyable working in class with these advances as they can obtain further authentic data on the Internet, listen to real native speakers talking, read English articles, newspapers, look for extra information about a topic dealt with, watch series, and so on. Furthermore, in many language schools interactive white boards were imntroduced and, as this is something fairly new, they love working with it while learning.

We, as teachers, can also take advantage of technology. They are really useful for designing appealing and attractive materials for students, looking for extra information, keeping up-dated with courses provided by different universities, communicating with our students through the Internet, keeping in touch with colleagues if any doubt arises, and also challenging ourselves to prepare more pleasurable lessons.

The authors of the  abovementioned article listed some reasons why technology became increasingly important for language teaching:

-"Internet access is becoming increasingly available to learners.

-Younger learners are growing up with technology, and it is natural and integrated part of their lives.

-English, as an international language, is being used in technology-mediated contexts.

-Technology, especially the Internet, presents us with new opportunities for collaboration and communication between learners who are geographically dispersed.

-Technology is offered with published materials, such as coursebooks and resource books for teachers.

-Learners increasingly expect language schools to integrate technology into teaching.

-Technology offers new ways for practising language and assessing performance.

-Technology is becoming increasingly mobile. It can be used not only in the classroom, lecture hall, computer room or self-access centre, but it can also be used at home, on the way to school and in Internet cafés.

-Using a range of ICT (Information and Communication Technology) tools can give learners exposure to and practice in all of the four main language skills – speaking, listening, reading and writing."

Although this article dates from 2007, all the reasons mentioned by these authors are undeniably true and all these predictions became true. However, under no circumstances should we forget that technology is one more tool and that the principal aim of utilizing new technologies in the EFL classroom is to enhance the language learning process, which could be done by using tools that our 21st century students are familiar with and attracted to; but not to implement it just for the sake of it, without having a clear purpose. 

To sum up, I would like to quote a sentence from this article that I consider thought-provoking: “(...) the use of technology in teaching becomes as natural as the use of books or pens and papers.” Even though it could sound quite weird for many people, this is our reality in the 21^st century classrooms. If you feel like, you could express your viewpoint on this topic. I would really like to read your comments!!

The old and new technologies together to enhance the learning process