4.Computers and the Internet: Together a Great Tool for ESL/EFL Learners

4. Computers and the Internet: Together a Great Tool for ESL/EFL LearnersRoland B. Wilson.WWW@10 conference.15 Sept. 2004

This paper investigate ways that language learners can take advantage of the Internet to seek out and learn by using this powerful combined tool. The survey found that the majority of participants surveyed used the Internet and thought that the computer-Internet combination was helping them and people around the world improve their English. The ESL/EFL learners surveyed seemed well ahead of most of the teaching staff in the use of the Internet in studying English and had a wealth of information to share such as Internet sites and software used. This high percentage of computer and Internet use to study English seems to be the exact opposite of the situation in the traditional non-digital language labs (using tapes and recorders) in the 1950’s – 1980’s. The computer-Internet combination has unlimited potential for English learners; therefore, language learners are always seeking ways to improve their learning ability and need information on their language of choice. The survey and interview mentioned that young people who grow up with computers have ability to adapt to all sorts of net-based teaching because they are already familiar with the hardware and much of the software. In this respect, young students are ahead of most teachers, so it would be well to utilize them as a resource for using computers while guiding them to the applications [and information] that most enhance their language experience.

Relevance: This paper confirms the use of technology in language classroom as young people are very familiar to the use of computers and the Internet. The modern language curriculum should meet the student’s need that they hold the beliefs that out there on the net will be able to teach them. Hence, the computer and Internet combination should be incorporated into every curriculum, and classes should be given on the use of the Internet for all types of language learning, including the teacher learning. Both learners and teachers should be interested and benefits from the technology and will be able to gain more control over their own learning. This technology (such as the computer-Internet combination) allows learners to do multiple language tasks, simultaneously integrating all the basic language skills--reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Teachers should as well learn the potential of the technology afforded classrooms to bring about the profound effect to students’ autonomous language learning.