Digital Technology for English Language Teaching

In this early part of the 21st century the use of technology in language teaching has become a familiar thing to do. The ways to use of technology in classroom to teach language have become familiar for teachers to teach language practice. Using digital technologies for English language teaching for example, can help and facilitate the teachers to teach English with many kind of teaching practice ways. It supports teachers to differentiate instruction classroom activities such as homework or assignments that enhancing the language learning experience. It can also encourage collaboration and increases the ‘fun’ factor for learners. for example, if we teach language for young your learners using games in computer, songs, dance, and story through some application, it will more fun than using traditional teaching process. Furthermore, if we access to the Internet and social media to search materials source, it can develops our intercultural skills and promotes global awareness.

I argue that digital technologies are ideally placed to help teachers working with learners, and learners working independently. Teachers and learners can go online to read or listen to material about different areas of interest, and can then write or speak about what they have discovered and telling others in the class. For example, if the learners take writing as a starting point, with technology it can show our spelling or grammar needs work, and based on that feedback can make changes to improve the text. Technology makes this much easier, and makes it more likely that learners will engage with the editing process to produce the highest-quality text. For teachers, they can use technology such as using Power point to present grammar, playing podcasts to practice listening skill and use some application that support their teaching process.

Technology has become an important role and can be a great asset for the teachers in ESL classrooms. There are ten ways to use technology in ESL instruction based on BusyTeacher.org that the teachers can use to support them in language teaching process.

1. Film and Video: Using short and feature-length videos is an engaging way to work on skills like vocabulary and comprehension. Videos help to expose students to the use of natural English. Young children really enjoy short cartoons and animated movies, and older students can learn about current events through news broadcasts.

2. Apps: Apps on iPads and tablets are great ways for students to practice English and have fun while doing learning language. For example, for practicing grammar rules, apps like Grammar Up allow students to test their knowledge on specific topics (verbs, prepositions, etc.).

3. Digital Field Trips

4. Podcasts: Podcasts is a form of digital media that consists of an episodic series of audio, video, digital radio, PDF, or ePubs files subscribed to and downloaded automatically through web syndication or streamed online to a computer or mobile device.

5. Pen Pals: Pen Pals mean people who regularly write to each other, particularly via postal mail. This is a great way for them to practice their English writing and reading comprehension skills.

6. Web Quests: Students are given a task and rely on their content knowledge and grasp of English language to complete it. Teachers can create their own or visit Web Quests to access tutorials and databases of pre-created web quests.

7. Online Games: Students can master spelling, grammar and other English skills by playing games on the computer or mobile devices.

8. Blogging: Class blogs provide great forums for students to practice their writing skills such as Live Journal, Edublog and Blogger, allow you to create blogs for free. The more they practice their writing skills, the more proficient they become.

9. Skype: Skype is a great way for students to practice their speaking and listening skills with other people from any location.

10. Other Resources