Chapter 1 Technology in the classroom: Teresa Almeidadéca

Using communication technologies with young learners – first- and second-year EFLers in the fifth and sixth grades – has been the most exciting and motivating and exciting aspect of my teaching activity in the last three years.

Everything revolves around two blocks, one for student–teacher contact outside of class, for extra practice of the language learned, and the other for CALL lessons based on curricular activities every two weeks. From interactive exercises to regular email exchanges with peers and teachers worldwide, to voice mail, video mail and mystery guest, and interactive map and voice chats, my young learners have experienced it all in class.

Using different web-based communication tools and registering everything online has several advantages. It generates an ePortfolio of your classes; it promotes collaborative learning; it develops e-literacy skills; it stimulates intercultural awareness; and, last but not least, it caters to different learning styles, thus more easily motivates students and captures their attention. Students who take part in such projects are constantly challenged with creative and innovative tasks, and necessarily develop a more open mind about things. I definitely advocate the use of web-based technology in and out of class.

Dudeney & Hockly  How to Teach English with Technology  © Pearson Education Limited 2007

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