Using Technology in ESOL Desmond Thomas, University of Essex

Technology quiz 1.What has been the most important technological innovation for the EFL teacher? 2.Which usually comes first technological innovation or educational innovation? 3.Which should come first? 4.Who should make decisions about investing in new technology for education? 5.Who actually make the decisions?

My answers to the quiz 1.The introduction of the photocopier 2.Technology usually leads – educators then ask how can we use it? 3.The question should be what technology would be useful to support learning aims? 4.Educators 5.School managers, directors, Ministry of Education officials and so on

A story of failures and successes The tape recorder -> the CD player Language labs The Overhead Projector Video players, recorders and cameras Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) Data projectors The Internet (eg for Youtube videos, Clipart pictures, games, songs, quizzes etc) Podcasts (takeaway lessons)

Main problem areas If it can break down, it will Incompatibility of formats (eg audio files) Technology-dominated lessons/syllabi Technophile vs technophobe teachers Technophile vs technophobe learners Technology as a form of learner control The idea that what is newest must be best leads to a kind of collective amnesia

Using video in ELT Short video clips: for listening and for viewing comprehension, input for discussion etc. Longer video clips: for extensive listening Video recordings: for feedback to learners on their speaking, project work etc.