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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
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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? • In English, technology includes cameras, audio equipment, computer technology, video equipment, ohps, scanners, printers, CD
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 Low-Tech 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 computer’s hard drive using recommended software.
Dead Links Solutions: • Use larger, well established sites • Check sites regularly to see that they are still functioning
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 Low-Tech Environment • Focus on e-mail • Combine off-line and on-line 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