Learning english through ICT tools


Book Description

The present book has been written for teachers and students of English as a second language (L2, henceforth) and considers the three educational levels, namely, school, college and university. They will find it as a useful resource since it provides readers with insights, suggestions and approaches to implement the so-called Information and Communication Technology (ICT, henceforth) tools to develop the four language skills, namely, reading, writing, listening and speaking, along with a grammar knowledge. More specifically, this book will contribute to help L2 English teachers in designing creative and motivating lesson plans in which L2 English students will learn English through the use of ICT tools while developing several competences such as the digital competence, the learning to learn (that is to say, they learn by doing), autonomy and an active role given they are responsible for their own learning. In this student-centred approach, the teacher is a guide and a facilitator of resources. The resources described in this book will foster L2 English teachers and L2 English learning to consider that lesson plans are more effective when the teacher has determined the learning and teaching objectives for both ICT and English. A detailed explanation regarding how each ICT tool functions is provided in the corresponding chapters so that L2 English teachers are able to build standing selection criteria when applying each ICT tool in the classroom.







Using Technology in Foreign Language Teaching


Book Description

Language learning is a complex and challenging endeavor. For students to achieve the desired proficiency in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) their institutions need to invest time, effort and huge resources in order to cater for different learning styles. To be cost effective, many language-teaching institutions strive to provide intensive foreign language (FL) instruction to reduce the time period needed to learn the target language. This explains the current interest in combining differe...




Teaching English Using ICT


Book Description

Want to get boys excited about poetry? Try establishing a wiki-war on the use of form and structure. Or perhaps a podcast to develop close analysis of language. How about getting them blogging about their favourite characters? Based on established principles of the best ways to use ICT in English, this practical resource looks at when and how ICT can be used to engage and inspire students of English, but only when it enhances teaching and learning, never for its own sake. Beginning with an overview of what ICT can offer and how it is changing the way we teach and learn, the authors then give practical examples of activities and ideas to attain key English skills and learning goals in secondary schools. Throughout the book, there are tried-and-tested ideas for tackling the hard-to-teach topics, and there is also a dedicated website with links to useful websites, the authors' favourite tips and downloadable resources.




Enhancements and Limitations to ICT-Based Informal Language Learning: Emerging Research and Opportunities


Book Description

In today’s modernized world, digital technology has taken the forefront in all aspects of society, including education. Students have access to numerous electronic devices, which has made online learning materials highly accessible. These technological impacts have blurred the distinction between formal and informal language learning methods. Informally learned English has lost proficiency when assessing student performance. Sizable research is necessary to study and understand the informal methods of language learning using technology. Enhancements and Limitations to ICT-Based Informal Language Learning: Emerging Research and Opportunities is a pivotal reference source that provides vital research on the implementation of technological opportunities within informal language teaching methods along with the drawbacks that limit its efficiency. While highlighting topics such as acculturation, student perception, and autonomous applications, this publication explores how learners perform ICT-based activities beyond the classroom and assesses the linguistic gains generated by informal ICT uses. This book is ideally designed for teachers, IT consultants, educational software developers, researchers, policymakers, and academic professionals seeking current research on technological techniques within second language learning and teaching.




Computer-Assisted Language Learning: Concepts, Methodologies, Tools, and Applications


Book Description

In a diverse society, the ability to cross communication barriers is critical to the success of any individual personally, professionally, and academically. With the constant acceleration of course programs and technology, educators are continually being challenged to develop and implement creative methods for engaging English-speaking and non-English-speaking learners. Computer-Assisted Language Learning: Concepts, Methodologies, Tools, and Applications is a vital reference source that examines the relationship between language education and technology and the potential for curriculum enhancements through the use of mobile technologies, flipped instruction, and language-learning software. This multi-volume book is geared toward educators, researchers, academics, linguists, and upper-level students seeking relevant research on the improvement of language education through the use of technology.




Digital Literacies


Book Description

Dramatic shifts in our communication landscape have made it crucial for language teaching to go beyond print literacy and encompass the digital literacies which are increasingly central to learners' personal, social, educational and professional lives. By situating these digital literacies within a clear theoretical framework, this book provides educators and students alike with not just the background for a deeper understanding of these key 21st-century skills, but also the rationale for integrating these skills into classroom practice. This is the first methodology book to address not just why but also how to teach digital literacies in the English language classroom. This book provides: A theoretical framework through which to categorise and prioritise digital literacies Practical classroom activities to help learners and teachers develop digital literacies in tandem with key language skills A thorough analysis of the pedagogical implications of developing digital literacies in teaching practice A consideration of exactly how to integrate digital literacies into the English language syllabus Suggestions for teachers on how to continue their own professional development through PLNs (Personal Learning Networks), and how to access teacher development opportunities online This book is ideal for English language teachers and learners of all age groups and levels, academics and students researching digital literacies, and anyone looking to expand their understanding of digital literacies within a teaching framework.




Computer-Assisted Foreign Language Teaching and Learning: Technological Advances


Book Description

Educational technologies continue to advance the ways in which we teach and learn. As these technologies continue to improve our communication with one another, computer-assisted foreign language learning has provided a more efficient way of communication between different languages. Computer-Assisted Foreign Language Teaching and Learning: Technological Advances highlights new research and an original framework that brings together foreign language teaching, experiments and testing practices that utilize the most recent and widely used e-learning resources. This comprehensive collection of research will offer linguistic scholars, language teachers, students, and policymakers a better understanding of the importance and influence of e-learning in second language acquisition.




Integrating Information and Communication Technologies in English for Specific Purposes


Book Description

This book fills the need for a text that integrates Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) into English for Specific Purposes (ESP). It offers insights on current methodological principles in ESP in both academic and professional contexts, drawing on authentic teaching and learning situations, and analyses best practice guidelines. Part I begins with ESP pedagogical principles and technological practice in order to focus on its two main branches: English for Academic Purposes, which includes linguistic skills and students’ needs, and English for Occupational Purposes, specifically looking at Business, Medical and Translators courses. This book is a great resource for ESP researchers, educators and students, because it provides case studies of how ICTs can be used in English for multiple purposes. Authors present their experiences of integrating tools into their instructions, with each chapter contributing unique pedagogical implications.




Focus on Learning Technologies


Book Description

Focus on Learning Technologies helps teachers understand the role of digital technologies in supporting language learning for second or foreign language learners aged 5–18. Drawing on research with school-age learners, the book equips teachers with the knowledge necessary to make effective and principled decisions about choosing and using learning technologies in their own language classes. The book provides an accessible overview of key research studies on learning technologies, considers examples from real classroom practice, and provides activities to help teachers relate the content to their own teaching contexts. Additional online resources at www.oup.com/elt/teacher/folt Nicky Hockly is Director of Pedagogy at award-winning online training and development organisation The Consultants-E (www.theconsultants-e.com). Oxford Key Concepts Series Advisers: Patsy M. Lightbown and Nina Spada