Using technology in the language classroom to foster independent learning

Using technology in the language classroom to foster independent learning Darragh O’Grady MEXTESOL Mexico City Chapter 28 May 2011

How using technology fosters independent learning • Students learn to develop better comunication skills – participation in forums and chats mean that greater precision is needed with the language in order to avoid communication problems • Learning occurs in a social, constructivist and participative way – learner as opposed to teacher centered • Many virtual learning environments (VLEs) are asynchronous: learners need to organise their time in order to participate effectively • Many VLE activities involve inductive learning (students discover for themselves)

Negative ideas teachers use to avoid using technology with their students • High school students in Mexico don’t have access to the internet. • They don’t like learning autonomously. • Technology in the classroom is a distraction and doesn’t help the learning process.

What teaching tools does your teacher use?

How many hours a week do you use the internet?

Using technology at home frees up more class time for speaking & listening (= “more class hours”, i.e. more efficient use of class time.) 2. Technology promotes social learning and interaction between students. How technology helps…

The teachers who say that it isn’t possible to use technology in the classroom should ask their schools to buy technology from funding and introduce it. It is not good enough to give up. If you leave high school and you can’t use technology you’re at a disadvantage. Everybody in Mexico should have access to technology. Prepa 6 unam (AM)

Teachers are afraid educational technology might be a distraction but if you restrict the use of the internet you can use it for the classroom. Cecyt # 3 ecatepec (AM)

Sound methodology tells us we should use technology. Our students are telling us to use technology. So why don’t we use it? How can we use it?

How to create a wiki

http://usingtechnologyinefl.wikispaces.com A wiki I’ve created to get feedback & discussion This talk is available there, please visit and participate!

http://elt-primaria.wikispaces.com/

Thank you! dogrady@richmond.com.mx

Using technology in the language classroom to foster independent learning

Using technology in the language classroom to foster independent learning

Presentation Transcript

Using Technology in the Classroom

Second Language Learning in the Classroom

Using Technology in the Classroom

Using Technology in the Classroom

Using Technology in The EFL Classroom

Using Technology with Stations in the Foreign Language Classroom

Second Language Learning in the Classroom

Using Technology to Redefine the classroom

Using Technology to Enhance Classroom Learning

Using Technology in the Multicultural Classroom

Using Volunteers in the Language Classroom

Using Technology in the Classroom

Designing E-Texts To Foster Independent Learning

Using Technology in the Classroom Series

Using Technology In The Classroom

Technology to enhance learning in the classroom

Classroom Language Teaching and Learning in the Era of Technology

Using Technology to Enhance Classroom Learning

Using Technology in the Classroom

Using Technology to Foster Instruction:

Technology in Language Classroom