Technology in the ESL Classrooms: Beyond the “Wow” Factor

Recent advancement in technological innovations has indeed transformed our ESL classrooms. Various multimedia teaching tools and other gadgets are introduced into the classroom with the ultimate goal of improving teaching and learning. However, many teachers fail to use such tools effectively, as they are unable to grasp the fundamental skills of technology integration.

Using technology in the classrooms is not solely about creating the “wow” factor, in which students are left amazed but with minimal learning. A typical example would be showing students a 20-minutes video clip that they would go “wow” because of the animation but they learn nothing on learning content. This leads to the need for teachers to consider the pedagogical aspect of each technology. Careful planning and attention are needed in order to maximise learning via technology. Decide and evaluate whether such technology is necessary before using it. In this digital age, sometimes the chalk and the blackboard may be far more effective than a PowerPoint presentation! What matters is how a technology is used!

Here are some useful resources for your reading:

• Controversies in using technology in language teaching
• Selecting and integrating CALL software programs into the EFL classroom
• Digital stories in the ESL classroom
• Technology in the ESL Classroom