Windows on the world: The role of new technologies in

teaching and learning English

Alan PulvernessNorwich Institute for Language Education

Technology will not replace teachers…

…but teachers who understand technology will replace those who do not.

Ray Clifford

Capabilities

• Communication• Information• Reference• Multimedality• Interactivity• Community• Feedback

Challenges

• What is the added value of ICT in language learning and teaching?

• What are the possible risks or disadvantages?

• How can teachers and learners enable themselves to get the most out of ICT?

Benefits

Encouraging critical thinking Interaction in speech and writing Cross-cultural awareness Collaboration Exploring identities Creativity

Risks

Technology for its own sake Style over substance Unreliable information Digressions and distractions Teacher-fronted instruction Plagiarism

Strategies

Choose the right tools Develop digital (re)search skills Be suspicious of information Triangulate your sources Join / Establish virtual communities Share your discoveries Question your use of technology

ICT

For learners• learning resources• wealth of information:

content & language• greater autonomy• potential for interactivity:

local to global• democratising the

classroom

For teachers• teaching resources• not just another tool, but a

whole toolbox• multi-dimensionality• access to the real world • motivational asset

Conclusions (for teachers and learners)

• Ensure that technology serves teaching / learning

• Be circumspect about the quality of information

• Enable learners to become digitally literate