Since 1979, Apple Computer's Educational Grants program has provided computer equipment and training to schools through a nationwide competitive process. Computers in the Classroom tells the inspiring stories of some of these schools, showing how technology has revived the classroom. This illustrated book is an indispensable resource for teachers and parents, showing examples of students' work and with information on funding resources, technical support, software, and where to find electric and print data. 100 illus.
Computers play a crucial and rapidly evolving role in education, particularly in the area of language learning. Far from being a tool mimicking a textbook or teacher, Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) has the power to transform language learning through the pioneering application of innovative research and practices. Technological innovation creates opportunities to revisit old ideas, conduct new research and challenge established beliefs, meaning that the field is constantly undergoing change. This fully revised second edition brings teachers and researchers up-to-date by offering: A comprehensive overview of CALL and current research issues Step-by-step instructions on conducting research projects in CALL Extensive resources in the form of contacts, websites and free software references A glossary of terms related to CALL Closely linked to other branches of study such as autonomy in language learning and computer science, CALL is at the cutting edge of current research directions. This book is essential reading for all teachers and researchers interested in using CALL to make language learning a richer, more productive and more enjoyable task. Ken Beatty has taught at colleges and universities in Canada, Asia and the Middle East. His publications include more than 100 textbooks for learning English as a Second Language, as well as various websites, CD-ROMs and educational videos.
Language learning is a complex and challenging endeavor. For students to achieve the desired proficiency in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) their institutions need to invest time, effort and huge resources in order to cater for different learning styles. To be cost effective, many language-teaching institutions strive to provide intensive foreign language (FL) instruction to reduce the time period needed to learn the target language. This explains the current interest in combining differe...
Grounded in applied linguistics research and composition theory and practice,Technologies in the Second Language Composition Classroomencourages teachers to explore the role technology can play in the acquisition of writing for second language students. This research-based volume supports the incorporation of technology into classrooms, providing students with motivation and tools to develop their writing skills. The book provides not only an intellectually engaging perspective on the on-going debates regarding technologically enhanced writing and writing pedagogy, but it also delves in to the technologies themselves, from blogs and blogging to computer-mediated discourse and concordancing. Technology is a growing and rapidly evolving presence in academia, and Joel Bloch brings an informed approach to understanding its place and potential benefits in the classroom. Each chapter includes reflection questions that will help individual readers apply the theories and ideas to their own classrooms. This book will interest ESL teachers in training, teacher educators, current ESL instructors, and researchers and scholars in the area of ESL writing and technology.
Collection of activities aimed at showing how to maximise the potential of computer software packages to help learners develop their language and communication skills. Units on word processing and desktop publishing, getting connected via e-email and MOOs, working with the Web, multimedia applications, concordancing, and other applications. Suitable for self-study.
With increased awareness among students and teachers about the importance of developing English language skills and communication skills, language laboratories have become an integral part of the paraphernalia for teaching the language in all educational institutions. A Handbook for English Language Laboratories aims to develop students' ability to use the language accurately, appropriately and fluently for one-to-one and one-to-many communication in a variety of contexts. It also briefly introduces them to Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL). The book is divided into three parts - Computer Assisted Language Learning, The Sound System of English and Communication Skills. Part one deals with the uses of computers and information technology in developing language skills. Part two endeavours to help the students learn the appropriate pronunciation of English. The focus here is mainly on the practical aspects of English phonetics. The information covered in this part, will help in overcoming the mother tongue influence (MTI). In an era of globalization, where you are expected to speak English with global intelligibility, Accent Neutralisation or Accent Reduction has assumed greater importance than ever before. Accent neutralization/ reduction attempts to reduce the mother tongue influence and makes spoken English sound closer to the American or British variety. Part three seeks to help students develop their communication skills. This section also provides practical tips for effective public speaking, preparing resumes, facing interviews, making presentations, participating in group discussions, debates etc. Key topics discusses: - The sound system of English - Accent, rhythm and intonation - Presentation skills - Preparing resumes and facing interviews - Group discussions, debates, role play and public speaking
This book is a comprehensive guide to help foreign language teachers use technology in their classrooms. It offers the best ways to integrate technology into your teaching for student-centered learning.
Impelled by a demand for increasing American strength in the new global economy, many educators, public officials, business leaders, and parents argue that school computers and Internet access will improve academic learning and prepare students for an information-based workplace. But just how valid is this argument? In Oversold and Underused, one of the most respected voices in American education argues that when teachers are not given a say in how the technology might reshape schools, computers are merely souped-up typewriters and classrooms continue to run much as they did a generation ago. In his studies of early childhood, high school, and university classrooms in Silicon Valley, Larry Cuban found that students and teachers use the new technologies far less in the classroom than they do at home, and that teachers who use computers for instruction do so infrequently and unimaginatively. Cuban points out that historical and organizational economic contexts influence how teachers use technical innovations. Computers can be useful when teachers sufficiently understand the technology themselves, believe it will enhance learning, and have the power to shape their own curricula. But these conditions can't be met without a broader and deeper commitment to public education beyond preparing workers. More attention, Cuban says, needs to be paid to the civic and social goals of schooling, goals that make the question of how many computers are in classrooms trivial.
This book takes stock of current research into computer learner corpora conducted both by ELT and SLA specialists. It should be of particular interest to researchers looking to assess its relevance to SLA theory and ELT practice. Throughout the volume, emphasis is also placed on practical, methodological aspects of computer learner corpus research, in particular the contribution of technology to the research process. The advantages and disadvantages of automated and semi-automated approaches are analyzed, the capabilities of linguistic software tools investigated, the corpora (and compilation processes) described in detail. In this way, an important function of the volume is to give practical insight to researchers who may be considering compiling a corpus of learner data or embarking on learner corpus research.The volume is divided into three main sections: • Section 1 gives a general overview of learner corpus research; • Section 2 illustrates a range of corpus-based approaches to interlanguage analysis; • Section 3 demonstrates the direct pedagogical relevance of learner corpus work.
