3. Paradigm Shift... by Tariq, Samiuddin & Veena

In this paper, my aim is to share some of my views regarding the implications of technology-aided teaching of English language. The author is of the view that “technology is all Knife without Handle” and therefore suitable adaptation of technology is of paramount importance. In today’s life with the amazing development in technology especially information technology has acquired a new dimension. In its changed facet it has become more exiting and challenging than it was in the olden days. It may not be a figment of imagination to say that today the English classroom pre-se morphed into a high-tech laboratory called the ‘English language lab’ and the English teacher has metamorphosed into a techno-savvy ‘Computer teacher’. Gone are the days when the teacher used to enter the classroom with a box of chalk pieces, a duster, the ubiquitous Wren and Martin and teaching the rudiments of grammar and the language exercises painfully dictated and dutifully noted by weary students; it is indeed a thing of the past. And if English teachers are still persisting with this, then they are dinosaurs in Jurassic park. They have not updated themselves with the new changes in the ELT. They have not yet attuned themselves to the new ‘electronic literary approach’.

According to this approach, technology is not just an aid for language learning but is rather an important medium of literacy in its own right. This means that teachers who have access to computer technology are in a good position to teach students not only language but also valuable skills and strategies in using computer technology that can help to cope with the requirements of the information technology society. The drop in the prices has brought technology within the reach of people and has become so cheap that institutions are ready to buy soft wares and computers than to hire faculty. The English teacher in the new environs has adapted himself admirably well to these changes. Some of these technologies presently used are:

Multi-Media English Lab:

This lab consists of computer systems connected with LAN. Software is loaded into the system and head phones are connected to it. A student gets to practice. Digital Video Cameras, microphone, Group Discussion Tables, DVD Players, simulation cabins, T.V. set with the latest books on communication skills are also equipped in the lab.

ABC Vocabulary

It is a super online tutor; visited at www.supertutor.com it has several zones to teach vocabulary. Quiz zone :- The best meaning should be matched to a given word among list of meaning given. Search Zone:- In the list of alphabets, a click on any one of the alphabets gives a list of words starting with that alphabet. A click on each word gives definition and sample sentence of the word. Game zone:- Gives training through games to know the synonym and antonym of the words.

Grammar 1.0:

This software gives training on all the aspects of grammar. Read button provides with the material, practice button gives many exercises to work and answer button shows the answers. Individualized instruction is increasingly important .while return comments or one-on-one conferences provide effective venues for individualization, technology can provide another. In high school, the most effective grammar instruction is individualized. Some students may have mastered a concept such as irregular verbs while others are still trying to understand a concept such as verb tense. One way to individualize instruction is by directing students to interactive web sites. Purdue university’s Online Writing Lab at http://owl.english.perdue.edu/provides interactive grammar and writing instruction ;it also provides ready made downloads for teachers to print and use .

Composition 1.0:

This software concentrates on writing skills. A classroom set up is seen, a click on the coach button provides the guidelines on writing. Research Park: It teaches how to write reports and research papers. The Press room: This feature gives tips on how to convey news in a clear, accurate and factual way.

Technical Report Writer:

This software comes from Clarity Language Consultants Ltd. It teaches how to write report with the help of many keys such as objective, title, summary, contents, introduction, procedure, results, discussion, conclusion.

Telepresence:

This advanced technology has a major impact on learning. Through this, native speakers teach English and this can be visualized and heard from the remote corners of the globe. The students feel as if they were present in the same physical space. The students can type their doubts and receive the response immediately from the teachers. A number of companies like Convergys, Coveo, Cognite, Witness system Evaluation software have developed e-learning tools to be implemented in BPO’s and Call Centers.

• • www.kantalk.com : This site is devised for improving skills in communication, integrates several popular net tools/services as e-mail, skype, youtube and the like. It allows engaging in real time conversation, helps to record audio content recorded by people from different countries and thus gives opportunity to acquaint themselves with variety of accents and pronunciation. The site offers chance to view a video and transcribe it.

  • www.globalenglish.com: This site has free and fee paid courses. Later technology in this utilizes slide shows and targeted LSRW exercises.

  • www.businessenglishpod.com: Podcasts is a digital media file or files that the broadcaster distributes over the internet for playback on digital media devices and PCs. This site is useful to learn business English.

  • www.talkenglish.com: This site hosts a variety of free lessons on business English, travel English, and interview English to enrich students with required English speaking skills.

The technology available today facilitates and has potential to make the maximum difference. Use of technology in Teaching and learning English Language has the following dimensions:

• • Stimulates students to think, explore and act towards learning.

  • It is adaptive to the ability of students

  • Provides for continuous assessment and feedback.

  • Provides a collaborative leaning in community environment.

  • It helps in decision-making by the individual without the prompting of the Teacher.

  • Potential for wide spread equal access to ideas, information etc.

For the students/learners the English language laboratories are a veritable boon. They are amused, animated and exited now to explore at length the new concepts that have been developed, specially keeping them in mind, in the learning of the language. They can now learn at different rates of speed, now that individual technology gives each student the opportunity to work at his/her own pace in a relaxed setting without competing with others in the classroom.

But there are also a host of problems to take into consideration. The reticent teacher who is also reluctant to learn and adapt himself to the new changes, the limited or lack of access to the internet, the non availability of computers outside the classrooms for the student, the lopsided educational policy where qualified English teachers are at a rarity at the primary/secondary school level, the literally unmanageable number of students in a language lab/classroom which leads to a pathetic teacher-student ratio and the apathy of student himself towards the language, are only a few to name.

This again reminds us of Alvin Toffler, who has rightly pointed out that the future illiterate of this century will not be the one who will not be able to read or write but the one who will not be ready to learn, unlearn and relearn.

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