IMPACT OF ICT ON TEACHING AND LEARNING
OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE
Blessy Mol Y
ABSTRACT
As technology has created an overall change in all aspects of society,
it is also changing our expectations of what students must learn in order to exist in
this new world. Even our education system gets updated with the technological
advancements and innovations. The impact of ICT as a tool for teaching and
learning of English language create both independent and collaborative learning
environment in which students get an advantage to learn English with an ease.
However the present paper casts the light on the influence of ICT that can help in
both the teaching and learning of English language.
Key terms : ICT, English language teaching and learning, Lingua Franca, Web
based learning, smart classroom, e-learning
INTRODUCTION
According to Daniels (2002) Information and Communication
Technology is considered as the building blocks of modern society. It has played a
vital role in the process of education and has been publicized as potentially
powerful enabling tools for educational change and reform. In this 21st century a
teacher is expected to be both traditional and modern in the teaching- learning
process. In order to bring an interactive classroom the teacher should be efficient in
handling ICT in throughout the teaching process. Language is the mirror of human
life which delineates the life of human. Nowadays English is the most widespread
language in the world. It is the link language so termed as Lingua Franca. English
language and ICT have become essential tools for a number of emotions in our day
to day life. The need of English language is gradually increasing so that it is the
prime duty of the teacher to teach and develop the language skills. Even though
there are various methods most of them are traditional and ineffective for language
learning. For the betterment of the future generation and to enhance their
communication modern approaches and tools of ICT are used to develop the
understanding and acquisition of basic skills like listening, speaking, reading and
writing. The facilities and tools available for such betterments include Computer
Assisted Language Learning, Blogs, Virtual Classrooms, Smart Classrooms,
Overhead Projectors, Emails, Online tutorials etc. These facilities have paved the
way for individualized learning and thus the learner get a chance to learn anywhere
at any pace of time. Modern studies show a positive result for the integration of
ICT in the field of English language teaching that makes the learner well versed in
the language skills.
Importance of ICT in English language
ICT covers all technologies that help people to communicate and
manipulate information. It is a universal tool for globalization. The use of ICT adds
value to teaching and learning by enhancing the effectiveness of learning. With the
inception of ICT in schools the students found learning in a technology – enhanced
environment which is more engaging than a traditional classroom environment.
Nowadays teachers prefer more of communicative method of teaching and learning
and with the emergence of ICT the students get much opportunities to bring out
their talents.
The different tools and applications that include both web based and non -
web based learning aids that are used to promote English language teaching and
learning are
i. Computers : It is considered as the backbone of modern human life. The
modern communication process is done with the help of this tool which
helps in storing and preparing of data for communication. In case of
English language it helps in the development of listening, speaking,
reading and writing skills.
ii. Overhead projectors: It is an important tool for displaying information
where the students can learn language with the assistance of versatile
and a useful visual aid. It helps the teacher to face the whole class and
maintain an eye contact with the students.
iii. Language lab: A modern technological aid where multiple facilities were
provided in which the students can listen to the audios and can
understand the different accents. The students are able to speak and can
record voices. The pronunciation level of a student thus can be improved
with the help of this easy atmosphere.
iv. Lingua phone: This tool is important in language learning. Here a number
of students can participate in speaking and hearing drills. It is used in the
training of English language listening and speaking skills.
v. Online facilities: A lot of online facilities are available on the internet for
the development of language skills. The various facilities available are e-
teaching, e- tutoring, e- magazines, e-library, e- books, online training,
virtual classes, smart classes ,YouTube etc
vi. Online language related courses: The courses available on the internet
provide a wide opportunity for the language learners to enroll themselves
in the courses and train themselves at any place. Some of the agencies
that help to promote language courses are MOOC, Future Learn, NPTEL
etc. Students can watch online as well as offline videos of language
learning for the enhancement of their language skills.
vii. Social media: It is an important tool for communication and it provides a
platform for sharing thoughts and ideas. Through blogs the students
create a platform to enhance the language and they also take advantage of
sharing information. The social sites like Facebook, Instagram, e- mail,
Skype etc helps to learn the situational language.
viii. Feature films in teaching English: Films are used for teaching and
learning of English language. Films can be documentaries, educational,
entertainment etc which arouse the level of motivation and thus enhance
the interest to learn language.
As English is considered to be the global language and henceforth learning and
comprehending it has been acknowledged world -wide today. English language
has become the tool for learning and most importantly the communication.
With the evolvement of ICT enabled English language classrooms both students
and teachers find it easy to communicate their ideas and develop their language
abilities.
CONCLUSION
The children of today’s generation are efficient in using the various modern
technologies and thus the ICT enabled language classes helps them to have a direct
connection with the digital era. In an ICT enabled language class the students get a
chance to be in a computer software plat form, thus they will not have any sort of
hesitations. This technology helps to deal with the tasks given to them during the
class times as well as outside world. They get motivated and interested to do the
activities and thus build an effective classroom. The use of multi -media while
learning helps in creating a long lasting impact on the learners. Thus the role of a
teacher changes from an instructor to a coordinator. Self-paced independent
learning technology is what is being propagated with the help of ICT enabled
English language teaching.
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https://www.researchgate.net/publication/330986788_The_Use_of_ICT_Tools_in_
English_Language_Teaching_and_Learning_A_Literature_Review
