Conclusion
Technology is always evolving, and new forms of connection are constantly being
developed. We realize, therefore, that any technology we refer to in this chapter will
likely change in the coming months. Still, we felt that it was important to discuss the
use of technology in providing enhanced language learning experiences.
Although this is the last methodological innovation we introduce in this book, it
does not mean that we have saved the best for last or that technology should be used
by everyone. For one thing, not everyone has access to the technology described here,
although having even one computer in class can be helpful. For another, the use of
technology is not any more neutral than any other method or medium. For example,
Reeder, Macfadyen, Roche, and Chase (2004) claim that certain e-tools for
communication and education are based on Western-style notions of efficiency, and
they question whether they are necessarily appropriate for international groups of
learners. Nonetheless, there is no doubt that technology will have an increasing
presence in education. What is important from our perspective is that teachers be
knowledgeable about technology, and if they choose to use it, that they do so in
pedagogically sound ways. We agree with van Lier who wrote:
... if [technology] is to be a positive force in education, [it] should not be cast as
an alternative to classroom teaching, or as replacing the teacher, but as a tool that
facilitates meaningful and challenging classroom work. (van Lier 2003: 2)With this in mind, can you see yourself integrating the use of technology with your
teaching approach? Which of the techniques presented in this chapter are you likely to
make use of? How will you build into your teaching what students do outside of the
classroom?