Activity 8. New Trends in Using Technology in the Language Classroom

I have found this article interesting, too. The programs mentioned in the text will be useful for most of us that would be teachers in the near future.

First of all, I agree that translating is not good when we are teaching a second language because students do not make the effort to understand the teacher. This issue depends on the age. However, using our mother tongue makes easy teachers’ explanations. Maybe some students feel comfortable in these second language classes. Listening our mother tongue may encourage students in order to have much more interest in the subject.

From my point of view, CMC help students to talk to somebody freely. They may feel comfortable speaking with someone online instead of face-to-face. However, new technology has disadvantages. For example, you must deal with unsuitable internet connection. Your computer is broken at home. Thus, you must move in order to have online lessons. So, you should have clear what the best way of learning is.

That’s true that new technologies are a motivation for students. Nevertheless, teachers spend much more time preparing lessons. In my opinion, when I want to use the video or the digital board, I should be in class ten or fifteen minutes before the class starts in case of having problems.