May 2005 — Features

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The Advantages of Using Technology in Second Language Education

By Li Wang - University of Central Florida

5 Ways Technology Can Help Literacy Learning

Be aware that technology is just a tool, and designing creative instruction is the key to successfully integrating technology into classrooms. To do this, teachers must first know what the technology can do for language learning. The following are five ways teachers can use technology to help literacy education:

  1. Word processing — Word processing is a great way for students to engage in writing, prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, saving, printing, inserting tables and graphics, and publishing. In this information age, word processing is a necessity for any language class.
  2. Technology texts — Electronic books are rich supplements for printed textbooks, though they will never completely replace traditional books (Leu and Leu 1997). Stories on the Internet are enriched by multimedia to dramatically motivate reading-reluctant students, leading to better literacy results.
  3. Publishing students’ work — Because students are motivated, and invest themselves in their work when they are engaged in authentic tasks, a primary goal in teaching literacy is for students to engage in meaningful and purposeful assignments (Anderson and Speck 2001). Computer technologies make students’ work easy to publish in multiple ways, such as in newsletters, flyers, Web pages, CD-ROMs, etc.
  4. Communication through the Internet — While language is for communication, the Internet has broken down communication’s distance barrier. Therefore, students can build up partnerships with learning peers in target languages through the Internet. The main ways of communicating on the Internet include e-mail, instant messaging, chat rooms and bulletin boards. With MSN and Yahoo! messengers, students can not only send instant messages, but also have audio and video conversations that greatly motivate and improve their speaking and listening abilities.
  5. Searching for online information — The Web offers valuable resources from around the world (e.g., databases, online journals, news, instructional materials, etc.) that enable many teachers to use the Internet as their “virtual library.”

— L. Wang

References

Al-Jarf. R. 2004. “The Effects of Web-Based Learning on Struggling EFL College Writers.” Foreign Language Annals 37 (1).

Anderson, R., and B. Speck. 2001. Using Technology in K-8 Literacy Classrooms. Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Prentice-Hall.

Bernhardt, E., R. Rivera, and M. Kamil. 2004. “The Practicality and Efficiency of Web- Based Placement Testing for College-Level Language Programs.” Foreign Language Annals 37 (3).

Brown, D. 1997. “Kids, Computers and Constructivism.” Journal of Instructional Psychology 23 (3)

Chikamatsu, N. 2003. “The Effects of Computer Use on L2 Japanese Writing.” Foreign Language Annals 36 (1).

Cooper, L. 2001. “A Comparison of Online and Traditional Computer Applications Classes.” T.H.E. Journal 28 (8).

Hertel, T. 2003. “Using an E-Mail Exchange to Promote Cultural Learning. Foreign Language Annals 36 (3).