Hardware and Software in Language Learning

Nowadays, the development of technology is growing fast. We can say that technology has contribution in every field of our daily life. Technology has contribution in economy, social, culture, and politic. Moreover, technology also has contribution in education. Technology helps people nowadays in learning. Learning about what? Learning everything, including learning about language. We can do language learning by the help of technology. What technology that can help us in language learning? It might be internet, or something that we call it hardware and software.

I am sure all of us have been familiar with something that is called “hardware” or “software”. Hardware, according to to www.diffen.com is best described as a device that is physically connected to the computer or something that can be physically touched. What are the things that included hardware? They might be monitor, keyboard, printer, CPU, and other things that can be touched from a computer.

Now, about software. Still according to www.diffen.com, software is a general term used to describe a collection of computer programs, procedures, and documentation that perform some task on a computer system. Microsoft Office is one example of software in the computer.

There are many examples of hardware and software in language learning. Maybe, if we hear about hardware and software, we think about computer. However, the hardware and software in language learning not only those which related to the computer. LCD projector, compact disc (CD), cassette, and also computer can be included as the hardware that usually used in language learning.

1.    LCD projector

Usually, LCD projector is used in language learning to show video, images, or other file that can support the process of language learning.

source : comp.utm.my

2.    Compact Disc (CD)

Since language learning needs practice in the process of it, compact disc or then it is called as CD, can be used to save any programs or file related to language learning. For examples, to save video, images, or program related to language learning.

source : blogpanik.blogspot.com

3.    Cassette

The use of cassette in language learning rather the same with CD. However, we only can hear the sound if we use cassette. We can not see the image or the visualization of the sound through the cassette.

source : huyumkurusun.blogspot.com

4.    Computer

Computer has so many use not only in language learning, but also in other learning. Since a computer also has many hardware, it has many use too in language learning. For examples :

·      Keyboard, which can be used to input material to the computer.

·      Monitor that can be used to see the visualization of a file or a program that might be saved in CD.

·      Speaker can produce sound of file related to language learning.

·      CPU or Central Processing Unit, which become the ‘brain’ of the computer.

Over all, a computer gives many contributions in language learning.

source : eofdreams.com

Like what it is written before, software usually describes about program inside the computer. Microsoft Office, video, sound, and also internet can be said as program or software that can be used in language learning.

1.    Microsoft Microsoft Power Point

    Through Microsoft Power Point, we can show an interesting presentation related to language learning in slide. The language learning by using Microsoft Power Point can be an alternative in learning so that the process of learning will not be boring.

Microsoft PowerPoint

2.    ReadPlease 2003

source : www.belajaringgris.net

ReadPlease 2003 is a software for learning English that can be the teacher and can teach just like real techer. By this software, we can decide by ourselves what material that we would like to study. Readplease 2003, software belajar bahasa inggris ini berperan sebagai guru dan dapat mengajar seperti guru sungguhan. Adapun materi belajar, kita sendiri yang menentukan. Through this softwre, we train our ears to listen the sentences that are said by the teacher. The sentences are easy to be understood because they are provided by the texts. This software can be download in ziddu.com.

3.    Fluent English

source : yabaleftonline.com

Fluent English is an English learning application for Android smartphone.  Through this application, we can train our ability in listening and speaking. This application just like an audio book with audio translation for the words that we do not understand the meaning and the pronunciation of it. Fluent English also provides the words you search in other languages, so you can add your knowledge of other languages. Fluent English for Android is one good application for learning English.

source : play.google.com

4.    LearnEnglishGrammar (UK ed.)

This is also an application for Android smartphone. This application is specialized for learning English grammar generally. This application is in the form of quiz both of essay and multiple choice. The language that is used in LearnEnglishGrammar is English UK. Through this application, we can learn English in our spare time, without stay sitting in a classroom.

source : portalpaseban.com

5.    Urban Dictionary

This is an online application, which needs internet connection in using it. This dictionary does not like dictionary in general. This dictionary gives us knowledge about slang words or sentences in English. This online dictionary also provides the example of sentences from the words you have search. It will make you easier in understand the meaning of slang expression. This online dictionary application is appropriate for us to add knowledge of slang expressions in English.

source : www.aplikanologi.com

That is all about hardware and software that can be used in language learning. The use of hardware and software in language learning might be developed for the next time.