INTERNET IN THE CLASSROOM

USING COMPUTERS

This is probably the technology with more pedagogical possibilities in the foreign language classroom. The enormous advances done on the development of this technology give teachers a vast array of tools to be used in the classroom. The computers can still be used for drill and practice, but also they can bring real and authentic language into it thanks to the innovations of the CD ROM's. Video segments and audio produced by native speakers of the language make this possible. The advent of the Internet add even more tools to the computer technology. All this will involve students actively in their learning process while serving their individual needs.

Many foreign language teachers still feel frightened with the possibility of being replaced by the computer. As with any new technology educators need to learn about it and understand what would be the benefits of integrating it into the lesson plans. This is a long process that should be directed by the leaders on the administrative office. They need to provide teachers with adequate training and time to master the new skills.

Selecting the best software programs according to the level of the language being taught and creating effective lesson plans using them are key elements needed when dealing with computers. Every year new software come out to the market. Teachers need to evaluate them carefully in order to make a good decision. Many of them come with "bells and whistles" but their content may not be as good as it appears.

Some teachers learn how to create their own simple programs for specific topics. This is when they trade their teacher's hat for the authoring one. Programs like Linkway Live and Hyperstudio are designed to help designers create commercial-looking programs. The advantage of learning how to do this is that teachers are creating exactly what they need while at the same time they are definitely saving some money to their district. There has been many motivated classes where the students are the one that prepare programs as part of cultural projects.

There is no doubt that the Internet has been the more dynamic addition to the tools that form part of the computer technology. The World Wide Web has contributed to bring that needed language authenticity to the foreign language classroom. Resources like RIC, e-mail, videoconferences, and audioconferences allow the students to communicate with students in any part of the world. And even in its simplest form, just as a source of information, the WWW provides up-dated and current information on the latest news and issues on the countries under study. On Using the Internet in the foreign language classroom educators can find more detailed information about this topic.

Although integrating computers in the classroom may result time consuming in the planning phase, its contributions to the foreign language classroom are innumerable. Its up to the teacher and the district in general to work hand on hand to integrate this technology into the curriculum in an effective way.

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