Use of Technology in English Language Teaching and Learning

 

Use of Technology in English Language Teaching and Learning

          Nowadays, technology is much more developed than in the past. It plays a part in our daily life especially in teaching and learning since there are applications of technology in teaching and learning so, the Teachers Council of Thailand sets that teachers must have basic knowledge of computers and should also be able to apply Internet in the teaching.

            Using multimedia technology in English Language Teaching and Learning is very useful. First, it cultivates students’ interest in study because there are audio, visual animation effects naturally and humanely makes more access to the information. Second, it helps to create context and help Insightful Understanding of Western Culture. Using multimedia teaching creates a context for language teaching. This method makes the class lively and interesting. The teacher can set the sound and picture together, which enhances the initiative of both teachers and students. Teacher can create a context to make students understand Western Culture by using the audio or clip that give them true-to-life language materials, which are much natural and closer to life. Third, multimedia technology promotes students’ communication capacity. For example, they can confer with native speakers. Forth, multimedia technology can improve teaching. Teacher can enrich teaching content and make the best of class time. For example, the utilization of multi-media sound lab materializes individualized and co-operative teaching. Last, technology Improve Interaction Between Teacher and Student because They can create a good platform for the exchange between teachers and students and student can ask for giving advice from a teacher.

            Although, multimedia technology is useful but there are many problems existing in practical teaching.  A lot of teachers are active in multimedia technology applications but not proficient enough to handle it confidently so, the teacher cannot play the lead role in teaching and it also lacks communication between teachers and students. Because of the replacement of teachers' voice by computer sound, and teachers 'analysis by visual image and students have' few chances for speaking communication. To solve this problem, the introduction to each lesson and speaking communication are good way to improve students’ listening and speaking which the computer cannot fulfill. Moreover, using multimedia technology restricts the thinking potential of students because there are over-demonstration and pre-arranged order. The courseware lacks real-time effect and cannot give feedback and their abstract thinking would be restricted because it replaced by sound and image. Teacher should not overuse multimedia technology although, students show some interest in learning, but actually, they feel like looking on.

             It shows that using multimedia technology has benefits for teaching and learning but it has disadvantages If you use it in the wrong way so, every teacher should study and understand. And apply it to their teaching and learning appropriately.