CONCLUSION

This paper has presented an overview of the many ways the Internet can be used as another tool in the foreign language classroom. Foreign language teachers must advocate the integration of this resource in their classrooms if they still don't have it; there is no doubt that its acquisition will bring new life to their lessons and students will show more motivation and enthusiasm.

Like any other technology, the Internet has advantages and disadvantages that everyone should know about. It has been clearly stated that by using the Internet students and teachers have access to an almost unlimited valuable amount of information regarding the target language. On the other hand, it is also true that while navigating and searching for these resources students may come across with undesirable information/communication. The district and school administrators, parents, teachers, and students most commit themselves on working against this kind of situation; or at least, try to prevent it.

The Internet can be a fun way of learning new things about the language under study. At the same time, when appropriate training and/or feedback is not provided, it can be a frustrating experience for the learner and/or the teacher. Therefore, like with the integration of any new technology, training and time for practice should be provided for all individuals involved in the learning process. Teachers need to understand that they will need to invest some of their precious personal time to make this learning process a successful reality. Many teachers become so enthusiastic about the Internet, that they begin to create their own Web pages and start to share their knowledge and expertise with others. This is what is called "networking" or sharing of information and ideas. Newgroups and mailing lists allow teachers to find out what others have done previously so they don't repeat it again.

Besides professional Web sites, many teachers create a simple Web page that becomes the base and springboard for students to find their class activities and instructions using the Web. This is definitely a safe and systematic way of controlling the first steps of novice students in the use of the Internet. Every lesson plan that includes the use of the Internet should be carefully designed taking into consideration another disadvantage of the Internet: sometimes things don't go the way they have been planned. One day a gopher can be accessed, next day it can't. Teachers should always have an alternate plan on hand.

After comparing the positive and the negative sides of the Internet it is clear that still it is a wonderful tool that teachers should use to enhance foreign language teaching. It is up to us, all foreign language teachers, to become leaders in the integration of this and any other technology that will help to bring down the cultural walls in our classrooms. The Internet is certainly right now the best instrument we can utilize to transport our students to other countries. Let's not forget that through the study of other countries, their languages, culture, and way of life we are also teaching tolerance and respect towards others human beings; that is something that our modern society really needs to learn.