Activity 1. Importance of technology in learning English

Activity 1.

Let'start!

Technology has become one of the most useful tools in not just our everyday lives, but while learning . Most of the time as students,  it helps us to encourage creativity, social communication, interaction and team work skills. However, one of the most valuable aspects that technology provides is the oportunity to become more autonomous students. 

When learning a foreign language, you need a lot of practice to master the language itself and it's become easier to practice by yourself with the wide variety of apps and webstites in the Internet. 

You can choose form different options depending on what you would like to practice. For example:

For Reading comprehension:

• You can use tablets and e-readers like the Kindle. 
• You can take advantage of functions like click-to-define, vocabulary builders apps, and downloading whole texts at the touch of a button.

For Writing:

• You can use the word processor and simple tools such as  online dictionaries and  thesaurus to help you expand your vocabulary.
• You can also use spelling- and grammar-checkers to find and correct errors. 
• You can search for online forums that are a widely used in channel for learners to communicate and learn from one another using the written word. 

For Listening comprhension:

• You can use audibooks, podcasts and listening to and reading texts at the same.
• Podcasts are also becoming more popular with English learners, with the ability to listen anytime, anywhere, and English language podcasts are a great way to improve your listening skills. Here are some popular podcasts to try: Listen to English by Peter Carter, Elementary Podcasts by the British Council and Luke’s English Podcast.

For Speaking:

• You can use tools such as video-conferencing also offer teachers the opportunity to link to other classes around the world, also gaining support from other teachers and students.
• There are many new apps on the market for speaking with other learners, such as CoffeeStrap and HelloTalk – meaning you can converse with native speakers right from your phone.

These technological advancements can help you advance in your English learning. For this reason:

Read the following article and reflect on the importance of technology to learn a foreign language. 

References:

• Pearson English (2017). How students can use technology to improve their English. Consultado el 27 de marzo de 2017 de: https://www.english.com/blog/students-can-use-technology-improve-english.
• Brozek, E., & Duckworth, D. (2011). Supporting English language learners through technology. Educator’s Voice, 4, 10-15. Consultado el 27 de marzo de 2017 de: https://www.nysut.org/~/media/Files/NYSUT/Resources/2011/March/Educators%20Voice%204%20Technology/edvoiceIV_ch2.pdf