Language Teaching and Technology Mid-term Test

Questions :

1.    Why do language teachers need to apply products of technology (ICT) in their classroom?

2.    Mention some products of technology that support English language teaching.

3.    Mention some computer hardware used for teaching and learning activities and explain one by one.

4.    What computer software do you need for teaching English in the classroom?

5.    What do you know about CALL and MALL?

Answers :

1. Because it is better for them to adapt theirselves and their way in teaching to the development of technology. As the technology can make the life of human easier in their daily life, so that in education. The technology and the products of it can make the teaching and learning process of language easier or might be more interesting for the students of language so that they have more spirit in learning language. Products of technology (ICT) in language classroom can support teaching and learning process, for example, gives visual aids to the students, so that they can easily understand about the material of language that they are studying.

2. Some products of technology that can support English language teaching, for examples : computer hardware (such as :  monitor, LCD projector, and speaker), computer software (such as : Microsoft Power Point and Microsoft Word), and application (such as : online dictionary, games for learning English, website) that can be used and applied in the computer hardware or other tools of technology.

3.    Some computer hardware that can be used for teaching and learning activities, such as :

-          LCD projector

-          Monitor

-     Laptop

4.    Actually, there are many computer software that can be used for teaching English in the classroom. Those software can be in the form of application. Of course, we should use the application that are related to the English language teaching. We can use game software application for teaching English in the classroom. Moreover,we also can use computer software such as Microsoft PowerPoint or Adobe Flash player. By using game application and computer software for teaching English in the classroom, the teaching and learning process of English should be more interesting and the students will be more interested in learning English.

5. As far as I know, CALL is the abbreviation for Computer-Assisted Language Learning, that is the teaching and learning process of language in the classroom that using and helped by computer. So, the teachers use computer to support the teaching and learning process of language.

    Another definition of CALL or Computer-Assisted Language Learning is the expression agreed upon at the 1983 TESOL convention in a meeting of all interested participants. This term is widely used to refer to the area of technology and second language teaching and learning despite the fact that revisions for the term are suggested regularly. (http://www2.nkfust.edu.tw/~emchen/CALL/unit1.htm) 

MALL stands for Mobile-Assisted Language Learning, that is the teaching and learning process of language in the classroom which supported and using mobile-handled devices, such as mobile-phone, smartphone, tablet, and laptop.

Another definition of MALL or Mobile-Assisted Language Learning is  an approach to language learning that is assisted or enhanced through the use of a handheld mobile device. MALL is a subset of both Mobile Learning (m-learning) and Computer-assisted language learning (CALL). MALL is language learning using mobile devices such as:
- Cell (mobile) phones (including the iPhone or iPad.)
- MP3 or MP4 players (e.g. iPods)
- Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) (e.g. Palm Pilot, Blackberry, etc)
(https://sites.google.com/site/journaloftechnologyforelt/archive/april2011)