5 Language Teaching Methods III

Dr. T. Sai Chandra Mouli

Content

• Introduction
• Technology and Teaching English Language
• Use of Multimedia
• Use of Social Media
• Applications
• To Sum Up

Introduction.

Learning outcomes:

Let us learn the use of technology in teaching/learning English to students.This module is designed to help know the need for learning significance of teaching a language like English. The basic requirement of competence of teachers in using technology or literacy of teachers is discussed. Methods and goals of teaching English using technology is dealt with in order  to empower students enhance their communication skills and use English to enjoy better living conditions and elevated status in society.

Technology and teaching English Language:

Language impacts thoughts.Thoughts control expression. Clarity in expression and impressive vocabulary enable one immensely in interpersonal communication. Use of an apt word at the right place results in fluency, which in turn helps one acquire better communication skills.

Knowledge of more languages broadens one’s horizon of awareness offering multiple options in selecting mode of communication. Speech and written patterns do enable one to communicate in a facile manner on account of linguistic proficiency. Awareness, knowledge and skills assume significance in intercultural communications.

English is a global language used in a majority of countries in the world. In India it is no longer viewed as a foreign language. It is used extensively in education, administration, commerce, trade and diplomacy. Command over the language empowers the teachers and the learners in excelling in their respective academic pursuits.

Technology is not new to man. It can be viewed in myriad forms in nature around. Language technology refers to information technology and the tools used for communication. Animals, birds and nature have inspired man in numerous ways. Yet, speech is singular to human beings and the best mode of communication. In multilingual contexts use of technology is in conceivable.

English language teaching/learning acquired supreme eminence in the changed global order. In a uni-polar world, where the language empowers one beyond bounds, it has become mandatory for the teachers to become technology savvy and fine-tune their methods of teaching accordingly. Teacher literacy and love for innovative techniques of teaching not only enliven classroom environment but enthuse the learners to evince keen interest in the proceedings taking place.

In the twenty first century use of multimedia, social media and a variety of resources elevate levels of teaching and learning languages.Language games make communication in class room livelier.Computers are used to contact,share information and supervise organisational operations in a more dynamic, level-headed manner.Use of technology in content management has proliferated beyond comprehension.

Teaching the teachers of English rudiments of language technology and use of necessary tools is imperative. A well trained teacher is like a highly motivated sprinter desirous of demonstrating his competence. Socio-cultural aspects which generally hamper or boost a teacher’s capability to deliver goods, take a back seat as technology and appropriate tools make no such distinctions normally found everywhere. Thus, a harmonious, healthy learning environment can be created for the benefit of all the concerned.

Monotony normally associated with teaching/learning of languages can be dispensed with by using  gadgets and new tools to teach English. Traditional content and approach too undergo a revolutionary change.

• Use of Multimedia:
• Audio-Visual Aids:

In the tradition bound learning environment , O.H.P s[ Over Head Projectors] were commonly used to teach science subjects. Very rarely language teachers had access to them. Slide shows using appropriate equipment made way to raise level of teaching/leaning. English films were shown to students , basically to offer relief from routine learning and also to familiarise them with the use of the language, especially pronunciation.

As distance- learning mode was introduced subsequently, using Radio first and Television next were opted to teach and reach diverse segments of students spread across the country. In institutions selected as study centres to conduct contact programmes and discuss finer aspects of learning English, audio cassettes and video cassettes were used to teach, demonstrate speech patterns and nuances of pronunciation of the language.

Radio:

Radio has been a major source of communication. While the shape, size and function of radio have under gone unimaginable transformation, the basic function of communication and dissemination of information has made radio relevant even today. Ham radios are of great significance in moments of disasters and natural calamities in establishing a link to contact and learn extent of damage done and quantum of help needed.

Radio was a source of entertainment, edification and education once. While it was beyond the reach of common man then , rapid progress in the fields of space technology, use of satellites for communication and broadcast, internet and gadgets like mobiles have made it offer services in a different manner. Community radios still are useful in backward and rural settings for sharing information and educating farmers, student community and working class.

Educational programmes make radio relevant even today.There was a time when Sanskrit lessons were broadcast over the radio. Programmes suitable for children, youth, women and rural folk were tailor made for sharing information. Radio lessons were a big draw those days, specially language related content had many avid followers.

Strange situations may also arise when radio stations are asked to broadcast language lessons like English for specific groups. Decline of patronage and low penetration figures for certain regions suggest that radio is not favoured as a tool of communication, as earlier. Transistors, car radios, FM station broadcasts render  radio a useful tool to content development and  share views with learners. Interactive learning also a is a promising possibility. BBC broadcasts enable an India learner of English hone his listening and speaking skills. Advertisements over radio encourage budding creative thinkers blossom fruitfully. New terms, attractive word formations stimulate interest in learning a language like English enticingly.

In order to make radio a better useful tool in education filed, developing audio content suited to the needs of the day, refashioning available data or content to be broadcast and uploaded on Youtube or podcasts appears more pragmatic and desirable in  changed  context. Language s like English are better suited for the purpose and designing programmes like ‘phone-in ‘ may serve as interactive learning strategies to master a language like English.

Television:

Television has come to occupy an important place in every household across the world.It is a major source of entertainment with multiple channels telecasting various programmes round the clock. However, it has also been used as a means of disseminating not only information but educational content too. Access, reach and mass appeal make it an attractive mode of educating people in developing countries. In India too ‘Country wide class room’  programme became very popular and a vital component of distance learning mode of education.

Content development is cardinal to any educational activity. It becomes at times expensive in the case of designing suitable lessons or content to teach a language like English through TV in counties like India. Audience may not have equipment to record or preserve telecast lessons. Mostly a programme is viewed and remembered with the help of study material provided in print .A learner does not have access to ask questions or get clarification needed as per his convenience. Flexible viewing also is not possible. In training language teachers and equipping them with much needed information TV can play a vital role. How many language teachers use TV programmes for professional development is a moot point.

Dedicated satellite channels/service like EDUSAT have potential  in  reaching  large audience, including teachers of languages. How much awareness is created is a matter of conjecture. Investment for developing study material may dampen enthusiasm of extensively using TV for educational purposes alone. Data transmitted through animation, audio and video formats always draw learners to TV educational programmes. Telecasting films in English and famous scenes/ episodes from great classics make learning a language like English through the medium of TV more engrossing activity, irrespective of age of learners. Programmes like ‘What’s the good word’, language related ‘quiz’ contests and ‘dumb charades’ make learning a language like English more attractive and purposeful. Pronunciation and cultural aspects of English and the native speakers do equip a learner in knowing nuances of the language and its usage.

Computer:

Computer was once viewed with awe and common man thought it a very expensive tool to learn languages. Initially it’s use was confined to offices, organisations and research laboratories.Slowly it moved into homes and today has become an indispensable accessory for communication, entertainment and preserving vital data related to professions, personal documents and creative output of individuals.

Today language technology has come to mean use of information technology and the tools integrated to learning languages.It’s utility in disseminating knowledge and various applications developed in course of time have made computer based learning an indispensable part of education at various levels. From Desktop systems to Laptops, and then Tablets have become a part of modern day citizen in most part of the country. Institutional training was deemed necessary to handle computers competently. Along with passage of time and growing affordability to own a computer made it the most sought after gadget in the educational arena.

Teachers have been encouraged to famirialise themselves with the basics of computer and its use, so that computer based teaching has become an integral part of present education  system. ‘Digital Literacy’ has become absolutely essential for a teacher to effectively discharge his professional duties. Special sessions are created with essential know how about computers to train teachers employ technology for sharing information and disseminating knowledge in class rooms.

‘Language Labs’ are built in every educational institution to effectively teach a language like English to rural and urban students.As a matter of fact, urban learners have better access to computers and use of the gadget does not pose any challenge to them in learning their lessons.Special care and affectionate treatment do endear a rural learner to computers and slowly he sheds his fear and inferiority complex in handling the system.

There are opportunities to augment knowledge and use of computers by both the teachers and learners. They can hone their skills in developing linguistic proficiency, so essential in intercultural communication in multi-lingual contexts. Special courses are designed for diverse purposes to enable a learner excel in the field of his interest. Maximum information can be gathered, preserved, retrieved and used as required, by using computers extensively.

Use of computers in teaching/learning a language like English has enabled a teacher design study material and programmes as per specific requirements of his learners and the topic taught.Sharing information, conducting tests, evaluation of answers and handing over feed back by a teacher makes class room activity lively and engaging.

With the help of Internet computers have virtually reduced the world to a village. Virtual classes, webinars, on line presentations ,designing content and teaching on line, preparation of study material, interactive teaching, using specific websites for learning pronunciation,correct intonation etc can be carried out using computers in language teaching.

While it can be appreciated as to the inconceivable benefits of computer in teaching English, one has to admit that writing skills suffer to a greater extent , as computer based language learning helps only in listening, speaking and reading skills. Use of social media results in creating morphological distortion of English words.

Use of Social Media:

Social media had its impact on man’s life cutting across the continents.IT revolution has totally changed life style pattern, communications and inter personal relationships. Social media is used to establish contact with and stay connected with others in different modes. Networking and connectivity are the key words in this context. There are both positive and negative aspects related to this powerful platform connecting millions. Rapid strides made in use of technology create fervour and fear at the same time. Misuse of social media can lead  to disastrous consequences, endangering personal safety, reputation and social status.  Hackers can ruin lives and cause irreparable damage to the interests of industrial or business establishments. Local circles are formed to bring people together to discuss their grievances and requirements, making a concerted effort for redressal and realisation respectively.

Every state and Central government department has created its own data base, and mode of contacting and learning public demands to run administration as smoothly as possible. Public Learning Network (PLN ) makes use of platforms like Facebook,Twitter ,LinkedIn and WhatsApp to share ideas, problems and information. Major benefit of social media platforms is that if one individual is informed or gets involved in any issue, within minutes global response, support or condemnation follow with lightning speed.

Teachers of English are said to be best users of social media both for personal and professional networking and realise goals set as needed.

Internet and its wide ranging utility:

Blog:

A Blog is a site where discussion or exchange of views are posted. Personal blogs are maintained to post and share one’s own literary, academic or professional work with friends and all those concerned. A blog is a combination of text, images, links to the blogs of friends and    familiar people. A teacher may use a blog as a source of instructions, to send messages, conduct tests, evaluate and discuss with his students. These are known as edublogs.A blog is a truncated form of ‘weblog’.Several types of blogs are used to serve different purposes.

Facebook:

“Facebook is awesome. Since its launch, it has completely changed the way we think about interpersonal communication. It has revolutionized friendships, and enabled us to stay connected with many more effectively than we were ever able to before.”Alex Cox,The Essential Facebook Handbook,2013.

Use of Facebook changed pattern of relationships, reach one can aspire for besides radically transforming English expression, spellings and word formation.Purists may not approve it, but like a river the language undergoes change of course, gaining in magnitude at times, slackening at times. The flow continues, cleansing cobweb ridden corners.

Mobile:

Mobile phone use increased in the past few year all over the world.Mobile phone penetration is in India too. It is quite common for people to have more than one mobile connection. But, there are instances where individuals from lower socio-economic groups share a single mobile connection with other members of their family.

English language teachers have good access to mobile phones. Use of mobile internet as part of their daily life is on the increase. Teachers report a high level of familiarity with using mobile phones than using personal computers.

Now a days many people are using smartphones. There is no definite information about use of mobiles by private and government sector teachers. While accessing information via mobile, four of the most relevant areas to be considered in the process of creating and dissemination of content are connection type, use of mobile internet, use of micro-SD cards and use of educational mobile applications.

It has been observed that teachers are more familiar and comfortable with using their mobiles over personal computers. There is a strong conviction that a mobile phone can be more effective channel for CPD, in addition to providing a platform for collaboration among Spelling tests teaching communities [generally through social media].

Mobile may be used to interact with teachers, co-learners, both for resolving personal and academic problems.It stimulates creativity among learners of English.How the tool is used more efficiently depends on the teachers.

Just as a ball point pen has replaced pencil and fountain pen of earlier eras, mobile has substituted the black board, chalk piece or marker in the class room. The key pad serves as a launching pad for learning technology as regards languages like English.

Networking may be encouraged by creating learners’ groups in WhatsApp. Text messaging enables facile communication. help in augmenting vocabulary, while simplified modes of testing/teaching grammar empower learners with adequate expression.

Question and answers through voice mail or text messages extend autonomy to learner. What may not be asked directly in the presence of the teacher may be asked through the tool. It helps in shedding inferiority complex. Greetings, responses, sharing of information, apologising for inappropriate behaviour or comments go a long way in fine tuning social behaviour and character building.

Browsing using internet through search engines like google equip a learner with audio-visual data about cultures, history, geographical details, linguistic nuances etc. Effective use of Youtube provides entertainment, educational information and opens up a whole gamut of  new experiences in learning languages.

Podcast: These carry audio files.

Applications:

Extensive use of Internet, WWW, search engines like Goole, Lycos etc have made availability of information faster, comfortable and convenient to read, preserve and retrieve.Proper software is required to browse, navigate, filter and process the information sought  by  the teachers/learners  of  English World wide web can be mastered with the aid of multilingual tools. Technology helps one in numerous ways.

Speech Recognition:

Language spoken is recognised and transformed into a text. Dictation systems, giving commands as in the case of computers/robots makes learning English enjoyable.

Speech Synthesis:

What one utters in spoken version of a language is produced from texts[text to speech systems].It can also be used for formation of internal representation of words or sentences.[concept to speech systems].Pronunciation of proper nouns and terms in  some other language like Spanish or German is made easy to learn and repeat with the help of suitable software and websites designed for the purpose specifically.

Text Categorisation:

Texts are categorised with the help of this technology. Sub-categorisation also is possible. Filtering is a special mode of categorisation.At times a text or data may belong to or have application in more than one category.

Text Indexing:

Documents are retrieved from stored/preserved data or folders. These can best be saved and stored in an indexed data base. A text is indexed for all forms of words.Indexing can be combined at times with categorisation and summarisarion.

Text Summarisation:

Significant or specific parts of a text or passage can be extracted as a summary. Length of a summary can be streamlined as per requirement. Data specific to a concept or  question  poses challenges in summarisation. Careful approach is advised here.

Text Retrieval:

Information/passages/texts can be retrieved from database already available or compiled as per requirement. Specific , relevant information as required can be retrieved from existing databases.

All the applications discussed above viz indexing, categorisation, summarisation, retrieval can be combined into a broad based term Information Retrieval.

Report Generation:

Technology can be employed to extract information, data fusion, text data mining, Even evaluation of answers /responses can be done by making use of data bank available or created for a specific purpose. Thus assessing responses enables in faster evaluation and compiling results or grades in examinations or competitive tests conducted involving vast number of candidates. Report generation is highly useful application in language based tests, assignments given during language teaching classes.

Translation Technology:

Machine translation facilitates work of human translators.Large chunks of expressions, words, equivalents etc make a translator’s job easier. This becomes all the more helpful in translating texts from other European or Indian languages into English or vice-versa.

Specialised Algorithms:

Dedicated Algorithms have been designed for parsing, generation, translation as well as morphological and syntactic processing in learning a language like English.

Linguistic Applications:

Highly useful tools make teaching/learning a language like English a pleasure. Linguistic knowledge resources are available like dictionaries, morphological, syntactic grammars, norms or rules for semantic interpretation, pronunciation and intonation.

Emma Segev who won British Council Teaching English blog award, shares her ideas for learning English on the go. As she advises some of the following applications available free may be considered while teaching a language like English.

British Council apps offer a huge choice for smart phones. One can look at the options on their webpage and download the apps on Google Play, Apple’s App Store or using a QR code Opens in a new tab or window. The learners may love ‘Johnny Grammar’s Word Challenge’ – it’s a fun way to improve grammar.

Duolingo : It is a wonderful app that has just won the ‘Best education start-up award’. It’s designed like a game and is pretty addictive. It’s free, contains no adverts and is very effective.

Two min English: It is free, has no adverts and contains more than two hundred two-minute video lessons on a variety of topics e.g., social English, business English, travel English, common mistakes in English, idioms and phrases.

Game to learn English powwbox : It is a multi-level game, once downloaded it appears as English tracker. The first three levels are free. The learner has to spot the mistake – if one  gets it wrong, he/she receives a clear explanation. It’s fun and easy to play.

Real English: It offers a variety of apps at different levels: Business and conversation apps at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. The apps are free, but they do contain adverts. Each app contains 20 lessons that focus on specific grammar/vocabulary areas. Each lesson is made up of five parts.

Ipadoio : It lets one record up to 60 minutes of high-quality audio. Learners can then add titles, descriptions, images, and geo-locate their recording before instantly uploading to their ipadio.com account or cross-post to their Twitter, Facebook or blog.

Thus, by supplying students with easily accessible tools for studying ‘on the go’, English teachers are enabling them to incorporate self-study into their busy lives, accelerating their progress and guaranteeing better results.

To Sum up.

Technology changes everything, including life. Using it the teacher can reach out to the learner and perform many tasks,just not only by using his voice. Language class-room becomes learner-centric. It stimulates creativity, helps shed inhibitions, forges relationships, and enhances awareness about individuals and the world, promoting full-fledged development of learners.Subtle yet significant problems posed in learning pronunciation of certain terms and expressions in English can be effectively resolved using technology. Extensive use of social media may result in creating a new variety of English spellings, shortening, omitting, blending, distorting at times formal spellings normally learnt in a class room. Every generation creates its own language formats required.

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