Technology in Language Teaching

When it comes to education we can say that we are always searching for what can help us improve for better the way we teach language nowadays . In this ever-evolving world of education ,we can say that technology is an important tool  in language learning . It is easy to see the difference thru out the years ,and how technology has changed the way how languages are taught and learned .

But is this change always positive? Do we face challenges with the use of technology? What are some benefits and takeaways  of learning languages thru technology?

Looking at the digital platforms that we can use today ,we can say that indeed the way how we acquire language today is much different from how it was before . We can easily think that technology is a "new" addition to the modern classrooms ,and at first glance it is . But in my opinion ,for as long as humans evolve ,there will always be a new invention or addition to the classrooms ,as it was when the blackboard was first used in a classroom ,which at that time for them it was in fact a major "technological" invention .

I think that this important to empathize that we should not see technology as the only reliable source ,because there are some things that technology cannot provide for our students .But of course it should be a very useful tool for teaching ,to improve the way how we teach ,making it more effective with a faster pace.

One of the most important points which were mentioned in this lecture ,about the technologies that have  revolutionized the way linguistic skills are developed , are the technologies of CALL and WELL. We can say that the usage of this interactive multimedia  makes it much easier for us to learn a new language ,because it allows us to have interactions ,to find answers to the questions that might rise while learning ,in a much faster way ,something that decades ago was imaginable and people had to rely only on those few books they had ,or  to wait for the next day when they would meet their teacher .

So we can all agree that technologies such as CALL made it easier for us ,having access every time and everywhere we want to find the information ,letting us also to choose different theories ,opinions ,facts or ways how we prefer to learn .

As a future teacher , I think it is very important to find a balance between the use of technology with the human elements while teaching .Technology is a very useful tool for us  to enhance  the way how we teach the English language and learning for our students ,but it is our role as future educators to be the "guidance " and the facilitator . Of course technology makes it easier for our students to learn a new language ,but we can guide them into more complex aspects of language learning ,while also handling some routine tasks . The digital platforms can offer information about the vocabulary or grammar ,but teachers can help them understand where and when to use them ,according to everyday scenarios , in real world  context and also according to the needs of each student.

In conclusion , I think that this lecture is a good reminder for us that technology is an important tool nowadays for us to use ,to make language learning more effective , but it requires good integration forms . Teachers should be able to use the revolutionary comforts that technology offers in language learning ,such as accessibility and the engagement it provides ,but its success depends how us as educators use them. The point of technology is not to replace the role of teachers in language learning ,but to offer some facilities which can enhance language learning.  Lets remember what Shawcross’s once said: "A good pedagogical device is 90% learner and 10% device."

Here you will find a link to a short video that demonstrates the history of technology in education:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFwWWsz_X9s

Do you agree with the integration of technology in classrooms?

Have you had any positive or challenges in using technologies in your classroom?