THE RELEVANCE OF COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY IN THE TEACHING AND LEARNING OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS (EDUCATION PROJECT TOPICS AND MATERIALS)
CHAPTER ONE
- INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND STUDY
The role of computer technology as an aid in foreign language teaching and learning is increasing. Educators are recognizing its ability to create both independent and collaborative learning environments in which students can acquire and practice a new language. The rapid development of computer technology has changed the way lessons are being delivered. This is especially so in delivering of English language lessons where the use of computer technology has greatly enhanced the quality of the outcomes of the lessons taught. Although a large number of English language teachers around the world use computer in teaching English language, English language teachers are still using traditional methods of teaching English language. Sparks, (1998) states that many English language teachers are inclined to use the more familiar methods of teaching they remember from their own experience as students (cited in Abdullah, Abidin, Luan, Majid & Atan, 2006). These traditional conventional teaching techniques often conflict with new instructional strategies introduced in many educational developmental programmes such as using computer in their teaching.
Chapelle (2005), pointed out that “technology is changing the jobs of language teachers through the changes it prompts in the language itself, the opportunities for studying language, and the options available for teaching language”. Current computer technology provides new opportunities to increase the effectiveness of language learning and teaching especially in the field of teaching and learning foreign languages. Incorporating well-organized and effective computer technology into foreign language learning and teaching strategies for improving students’ language proficiency has been refined by researchers and educators for many decades. Based on the rapidly changing evolution of computer technology, it is important for English language teachers to recognize how effectively and efficiently to integrate computer technology into their curriculum design for helping students to acquire foreign or second language easily and to enhance their own teaching performance as well. nowadays.
