Week 2: The Integration of ICT Tools to Reach Learning Autonomy

Something I want to remember from this article was the accuracy of information and the findings of the research. One of the first things that I would like to mention is that if the student is responsible, consistent and self-aware of what his doing he will most likely achieve his goals and learn a new language. In my own experience, that  happened to me when I got an scholarship from high school to study English. I remember being organized, responsible and always wanted to participate in class, I made sure that my howework and assigments were neat and clear that was one of the factors that helped me learn the language easily.

In addition, the use of technology is very useful nowadays in order to teach a language. The findings in the article show that there is a possitive impact of the use of technology in the class in fact it helps keeping students motivated.

A belief of me was confirmed was that teacher's performance do influence in students learning process. The teacher not only should pay attention to student's performance but to the progress they have had during the course or semester. Teachers should be a guidance to students and help them keep on track. Providing extra activities or however is good because that way student can practice more, also asking for help in any concern or doubts student may have.

All in all, the integration of ICT tools is very effective in the process of language learning. It demonstrates us as future teachers that we should implement them in our classes. The use of metacognitive control strategies make our students being aware of their own learning which will lead them to be autonomous.

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Week 1: Using computers for language teaching

I consider that the use of computers has increased in the classroom and impact possitively to students. Nowadays, the use of technology is so important because you can find more accesible information, visit different websites that help students with their assignments and homework. It is also benefitial for teachers because they can make use of multimedia, internet and different resources available to teach.

The article mentions that computer have been used for language teaching since 1960s and has been divided with the past of the time in three main stages: Behavouritic CALL in this stage computer was viewed as a mechanical tutor that allow students to work at individual pace.

The second stage is Communicative CALL this one corresponded to cognitive theories which mention that learning was a process of discovery, expression and development. In this period the popular CALL software was developed which included text reconstruction programs, allowing students to work alone or in groups to rearrange words and texts.

 The third stage is called Integrative CALL which looks to integrate various skills, such as listening, speaking, reading and writing and also integrates technology in the teaching process.

Something I learned from this article and that every teacher should know was the use of video recordings and games has helped a lot in the process of teaching a language. For example, using recordings help in order to improve student's pronunciation, also to speak fluently and the use of games to motivate language learning.

To sum up, the use of computer has changed in a great way throughout the years and with technology there's new resources and techniques that help teacher implement new methods and ways to teach a language.

Rate: 4