Chapter 10

Chapter 10 of M.D. Roblyer's Integrating Educational technology into Teaching offers information regarding using technology in English Language Learning and Foreign Language Learning settings. I think it is important to realize the increase of minority students and especially those needed to learn English. ESL students must be grouped by language level and have their individual needs addressed. This is very difficult for teachers to do on their own, and there are many types of technology to help accomplish this. By using technology that can be set for different levels and address individual needs, the teacher can better reach all students. Not only can this type of technology help ESL students, but it can also help students learning a foreign language.
I think that the most important part of learning a new language, whether it be English or a different language is being able to have authentic oral and written practice. There are many different types of technology that can help with this. Multimedia software and interactive storybooks offer individualized instruction. learning games on computers and language labs offer other help. They give practice in not only learning word meanings, but using the language orally, and building listening competence. This is particularly important for a new language. The text also noted that many people in high school take a language for a number of years, but never fully grasp the language or are able to speak it. Personally, this is true for me. Classes should have immersion and opportunities to hear the language in various authentic situations. Technology could help make that happen.
The text also mentioned another idea that I found very interesting. They talked about support for text production, particularly word processing programs in the desired language. I think that this is a great idea with many benefits. I took Spanish is high school but I have never used a Spanish word processor. I think if this word processor had very good spell check and grammar check skills, it would be very beneficial. I also liked the idea of having writing groups, for which students read their writing aloud to a group who then provides feedback and questions. This helps the student want to write and make it correct, and it also gives those listening the chance to hear the language and build listening skills.
Another thing the text mentioned was virtual field trips. I have heard of these and have always thought that they were on the Internet or software received that go to a specific place. However, initially described them a virtual field trip "in which the teacher takes the field trip, videotaping the trip and recording running commentary". I think that this idea would be greatly beneficial for language learners. The teacher could go to any type of place and use vocabulary words and provide them in a real life situation, using other words in the language. Since the teacher would be creating it, he or she would know the level of the students and what they are working on, so it would be individualized or the specific class.
Since learning a new language is such a difficult task, it is important that it is made fun and interactive whenever possible. With new technology emerging all the time, it is very beneficial for teachers to use it to reach their students in new and exciting ways.