TEACHING ENGLISH THROUGH COMPUTER

Points to ponder
What

kinds of technology? Why use computer technology in English? Emerging technologies used in English Factors to be considered when using the Internet Issues involved in using computer technology in your classroom Making the most of the computers

What kinds of technology? English, technology includes cameras, audio equipment, computer technology, video equipment, ohps, scanners, printers, CD
In

Why use computer technology in English?

1. There are the benefits to teachers and students from including computer technology in any learning area:

For students, technology can:

be

very motivational be the source of a significant amount of reading material be fun - and when it's fun you learn! help students to produce excellent published work

For teachers, technology can:

allow

for the easy production, storage and retrieval of prepared materials such as work required sheets

free up communication with other teachers help teachers to find information easily assist good teaching but not replace it!

2. There are the challenges and opportunities presented by computer technology that make it an increasingly important part of English in particular.

Creating and using new kinds of texts.

- such as hyper-texts, web-pages, e-mail communications, and multi-media texts.

Judging the appropriate use of new kinds of texts. - When we use

computer technology to make and access texts, we operate in changing social contexts.

Critically

reading and viewing computer-based texts. - While teachers have been busy learning to use computer technology, the emphasis has reasonably been on practical applications rather than critical analysis

Emerging technologies can be used in English

Word

processing/desk top publishing Internet for information CD ROM information Web page Construction Interactive book reading

Drawing

Digital

image manipulation Sound recording Graphic organizing

Games

 Talking Books/ PowerPoint Presentations Chat lines e-mail

Factors to be considered when using the Internet

1: Internet troubles
2: High Tech in a LowTech Environment

1: Internet Troubles

Slow downloads Solutions: Have students work in groups to minimize the number of Internet connections used

Visit the sites from each computer right before the lesson begins so the sites will be cached

Download

the entire site onto the computers hard drive using recommended software.

Dead Links
Solutions: Use larger, well established sites Check sites regularly to see that they are still functioning

Orient the students to the fact that Web addresses change

Lost in Cyberspace
Solutions:
Create

friendly homepage for your course Take the time to see that the web browsers are properly configured

High Tech in a LowTech Environment Focus on e-mail Combine off-line and online work Have students work in groups Make use of computers outside the school

Issues Involved in using Computer technology

Developing a whole school approach The teaching strategies needed to accommodate the computers

Where

to place the computers in the classroom The technical assistance needed Classroom dynamics Moral, ethical and equity questions

Making the most out of the computers

No available computers Solutions: Use other forms of technology Encourage home computer use

One computer in the class

Keep

a record chart of computer use Use the computer to promote collaboration

Have a computer specific task in all activities Encourage the use of computer facilities

Two or more in the class

Organize

group activities around the computer Assign specific activities to each computer

Make

one or some of the activities ones which can only be completed using the computer

A room full of computers to book into

Get

onside with the IT manager Have a booking sheet Arrange shorter and more specific task if access is limited