Joe Bauman - Teaching With Technology
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Reflections on use of technology in the classroom
As technology is already a large part of the lives of today’s students, web-based instructional materials allow language learners to utilize devices with which they are already familiar and comfortable. Providing students with supplemental internet-based instruction can permit students to practice with a second language, for example, and develop a degree of confidence with it. Thus, students who would otherwise be uncomfortable with attempting to use the target language in the classroom may be encouraged by successful individual experiences outside of the classroom.
Furthermore, in our modern society, knowledge of multiple languages can be useful in various fields, including business, academics, and technology itself. As cultures become more globalized, students and professionals can benefit from an ability to communicate with individuals from other countries, and technologically enhanced language learning can encourage this communication. With increased contact and communication with the world abroad, students can enjoy a closeness and sense of community with that world.
Computer-based instruction can certainly supplement classroom learning. It may enable students to take advantage of all of the possibilities offered by online material as well as the practical application of spoken language, in the example of a second language classroom. With opportunities to encounter the language of native speakers through audio and video files and/or websites, second language learners can be exposed to models of language, and then utilize this input in a classroom setting.
In spite of the many applications of technology, it does have limitations. In the case of language teaching, computer-based instructional materials may not be able to sufficiently replace person-to-person verbal communication. A website or a video can effectively provide information to a student, but the student cannot truly interact with a computer as he or she would with a human. Thus, at least with the current state of technology, face-to-face verbal communication is not replicable.
However, technology-based materials can certainly be used to supplement or build upon in-class, oral interaction, and also aid in the implementation of a course. Technology facilitates the transmission of information to expedite the process of distributing course materials to students, or important documents among instructors. For example, e-mail and web-based course systems allow for study guides or even class presentations (videos or PowerPoint presentations) to be sent via e-mail or posted on the web for students to access. Also, instructors can collaborate on the creation of class presentations and activities without having to meet face-to-face. In this way, technology aids in the transmission and distribution of necessary materials, and accelerates the communication process to save valuable time for all parties involved.
In my own experience, technology is invaluable in this respect, and students often respond positively to having the ability to communicate with me, the instructor, both quickly and frequently. Students also seem to appreciate being able to access materials used in class to review at their leisure. E-mail makes it easier for students to ask questions and get answers, and can be done at any time, on any day, regardless of class meeting times or scheduled office hours. At times, students do not overtly display appreciation for such things, as one might expect. However, this may be due to the fact that they have become so accustomed to technology and its ability to transmit information instantly that they no longer see it as something novel. In spite of this, I would certainly recommend that any colleague take advantage of all of the possibilities afforded by technology. This can be something simple like creating an e-mail list to quickly send announcements to students or something more complicated like setting up a discussion forum/chat session for a test review. For each aspect of technology that facilitates the learning process for a student, there is certainly an aspect that simplifies the teaching process for an instructor.
In addition, technology allows students to experience examples of the target culture (through websites, videos, music, etc.) to connect in a more real-world sense to the target language, and possibly even dispel stereotypes or misconceptions about the culture. This may, in turn, foster greater enthusiasm and motivation to learn the second language, as learners gain an understanding of how to implement it to their benefit in the world abroad.
This enthusiasm would potentially lead to my ultimate goal for language students in my classes: to not only understand the rewards of studying a language, but also to realize how enjoyable it can be to achieve success in acquiring the language. My greatest desire for all of my students is that they endeavor to learn for their own benefit and for the love of knowledge, and transcend the simple need to earn a grade or fulfill a course requirement. Technology has the potential to generate a connection to, and a enjoyment of, the acquisition of a second language. Motivated students with a love of learning may accelerate the learning process and increase both the rate and degree of success they achieve. With inspired and motivated students, the educational process can be satisfying, successful, and enjoyable for both the teacher and the learners.
The Pennsylvania State University. Copyright 2008.
Last updated on:
April 9, 2008 12:47 PM
Email: jrb922@psu.edu