Using technology in the language classroom to foster independent learning

Darragh O’GradyMEXTESOL Mexico City Chapter

28 May 2011

How using technology fosters independent learning

• Students learn to develop better comunication skills – participation in forums and chats mean that greater precision is needed with the language in order to avoid communication problems

• Learning occurs in a social, constructivist and participative way – learner as opposed to teacher centered

• Many virtual learning environments (VLEs) are asynchronous: learners need to organise their time in order to participate effectively

• Many VLE activities involve inductive learning (students discover for themselves)

Negative ideas teachers use to avoid using technology with their students

• High school students in Mexico don’t have access to the internet.

• They don’t like learning autonomously.

• Technology in the classroom is a distraction and doesn’t help the learning process.

What teaching tools does your teacher use?

Prepa 6 UNAM

CECYT Ecatepec (AM)

CECYT Ecatepec (PM) CECYTEM

Universidad ETAC

Audio CD player 1 1 1 1

Interactive Whiteboard

Internet

Laptop 1

CDroms

Computer lab 1 1

DVD 1

TV 1 1

Projector 1

1 4 5 1 0

Do you think that technology can help you learn English?

Yes No Why?

Prepa 6 UNAM 1

CECYT Ecatepec (AM) 1Helps you learn English; more dynamic than traditional classes

CECYT Ecatepec (PM) 1

Easier; can use it to learn vocabulary and practice your listening

CECYTEM Tecámac 1Can use it to learn pronunciation; it's easier, more fun and more didactic

Universidad ETAC Bach 1 Lots of content & opportunities to practise

5 0

Personal Study

Prepa 6 UNAM (AM) 18 5.5

CECYT # 3 Ecatepec (AM) 30 10

CECYT # 3 Ecatepec (PM) 12 6

CECYTEM Tecámac (AM) 20 2.5

Universidad ETAC Bachillerato 12 4

18.4 5.6

How many hours a week do you use the internet?

How could your teachers improve their classes?

More speaking in class 3

More interaction between the students 3

Use more technology in the language classroom 1

Use more technology for homework 1

More games in class 1

More class hours 1

More listening 1

HOW TECHNOLOGY HELPS…

1. Using technology at home frees up more class time for speaking & listening

(= “more class hours”, i.e. more efficient use of class time.)

2. Technology promotes social learning and interaction between students.

The teachers who say that it isn’t possible to use technology in the classroom should ask their schools to buy technology from funding and introduce it. It is not good enough to give up. If you leave high school and you can’t use technology you’re at a disadvantage. Everybody in Mexico should have access to technology.

PREPA 6 UNAM (AM)

Teachers are afraid educational technology might be a distraction but if you restrict the use of the internet you can use it for the classroom.

CECYT # 3 ECATEPEC (AM)

Sound methodology tells us we should use technology.

Our students are telling us to use technology.

So why don’t we use it?

How can we use it?

How to create a wiki

•A wiki I’ve created to get feedback & discussion

•This talk is available there, please visit and participate!

http://usingtechnologyinefl.wikispaces.com

http://elt-primaria.wikispaces.com/

dogrady@richmond.com.mx

Thank you!