6. Role of Internet... by Joshi & Kaur

Introduction:

In today’s technologically based fast moving world, one must be able to understand and be flexible while recognizing the needs to learn. The most essential and all-encompassing need of the hour is to be excellent in communication skills. For communicating at the global level English is the most accepted medium. Knowledge of the English language keeps one abreast of the world. This leads to limitless personal and business opportunities. Being able to speak in English also widens one’s horizon globally.

Today, there is a huge amount of language learning material besides the traditional grammar and course books and dictionaries. These materials include-course books, workbooks, programmed courses, cue carts, charts, newspapers, posters, picture cards, and cut outs, and so on. These are supplemented by other media, such as radio, television, slides, OHP, video tapes, games, toys, realia, as well as computers, multi media and the especially Internet.

Learning English through internet is better than classroom training in the sense that:

It is very practical to learn English online because it can be pursued at any place and one does not have to drive to school. One can save travel time and expenses. Moreover, most of the English courses offered are free of cost for everyone to take advantage of. There is also a variety of content available.

Learning English online allows one to study English independently at one’s own pace. Regardless of how busy our schedule is, one can choose the most convenient time and place for English lessons. Also, learning English online allows one to take lessons at own speed depending on one’s aptitude and availability. Aside from all the above advantages, there is flexibility in choosing the best module and learning style that suits whether it is for business or personal purpose. The Internet offers a wide spectrum of content that is easily accessible at our fingertips.

Since there are a lot of available online English courses to choose from, one is not limited to the knowledge of one teacher alone. One can learn from a number of online teachers and training modules from across the globe. Also, learning in this way exposes us to different English concepts that are applied in real business operations. In this respect one gains a variety of ideas and knowledge that can’t really be learnt from books. Moreover, it is very interesting.

While using the Internet for research information and interaction with other learners, one can enhance navigating skills through the computer and web technologies. These skills are critical and essential requisites in the present century business and social life that require working with colleagues globally and across all time zones.

Using internet can also enhance research skills and cross-cultural learning by providing a better understanding of foreign countries and cultural differences as well as enhance students’ cross-cultural communication skills (Greene & Zimmer, 2003; Lawson, White, & Dimitriadis, 1998).

No doubt internet is one of the most powerful tools for teachers to help students, but as the wealth of available resources is infinite, students face problems in effectively handling such large amounts of information. Another problem is the unfamiliarity with the applications and handling of internet. In other words, little experience on the internet is an anxiety source for both language learners and teachers. Further, connecting to the internet might take a long time, it might break down in the middle of communication and it might be expensive.

It should be borne in mind that the internet does not mean the end of the blackboard, whiteboard, the course book, the tape-recorder or the OHP; but it does provide tremendous opportunities, stimuli and resources for not only teachers but also students. Since the internet offers all types of

topics, some of them are not unsuitable for school children. Though serious precautions are taken today, this is still an important problem for parents and children (Singhal, 1997). The teachers should assist their students so that they can discover and learn most according to their level of linguistic competence. Teachers should be responsible for the evaluation of all the web tools offered in a language class.

Some more advantages of computer and internet assisted language learning according to Gündüz, Nazlı are:

• • Multimodal practice with feedback

  • Individualization in a large class

  • Pair or small group work on projects

  • The fun factor

  • Exploratory learning with large amounts of language data

  • Real-life skill-building in computer use (Warschauer and Healey, 1998).

Internet also facilitates students of English learners to:

• • Correspond in English by e-mail with other classes in other parts of the world

  • Develop individual-pen-pals to write to at out of class time

  • Communicate in real-time chat rooms

  • Share opinions and ideas across cultures on sports, music, food, hobbies, etc.

  • Conduct international surveys for class work

  • Read and listen to up to date news.

The focus on listening and speaking activities with gradual and increasing emphasis on reading and writing proves to be helpful. Grammar and vocabulary need to be taught in meaningful contexts, and students need to be given enough opportunities over time to use the language they have learnt. According to a study conducted by Jackson et al. (2006), it has been found that students, who used the internet more, got higher scores and grades. Further, oral activities for improving communication skills can be simulations, role-plays and discussion. Computer simulations provide a stimulus for such a work, by offering both, a focus for oral activity and a continually changing scenario for learners to talk about.

For developing listening comprehension one can use a multiple-choice or fill-in program exercise with a cassette recorder or the latest multimedia containing a recorder. In addition to the normal feedback given after a wrong answer, the computer also lets the learner hear the relevant part of the tape again. Another simple technique is to use a tape with a test-reconstruction program which enables learners to reconstruct a summary of a recorded anecdote on screen with the help of the tape. Such audio files can be listened to a number of times unless and until one has fully comprehended the file. Some grammar activities that can be done on the computer might be: matching, multiple choice, fill in the gaps or complete the following (Blackie: 1999; Sperling: 1998).

The internet is also a platform for experiencing and presenting creative works such as essays, poetry and stories and for providing supplemental language activities in specific areas of language learning (Singhal, 1997). According to the research activities, the internet changes the interaction between learners and teachers (Kern, 1995): There is less teacher and more learner talk in computer classes. Furthermore, it changes teacher and students' roles (Peterson, 1997) and makes learning more student-centered (Warschauer, Turbee, and Roberts, 1996).

Conclusion:

So from the above study it can be concluded that the internet being the most available, flexible, practical way and a treasure of vast knowledge, can be utilized for the purpose of developing good communication skills. A teacher and learner can better utilize it by the application and sharing of real-life experiences and situations within a healthy learning environment. So it is advisable to take internet and use of technology as an aid for educational and language learning activities as it allows for a great number of opportunities to communicate in the target language.

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