Why is it important to integrate ICT in EFL or ESL teaching (ELT)?

Integrate the ICT theory in EFL or ISL teaching is very important in the classroom teaching process. It is because as we know the final destination of education is to improve the quality of human resources. To can improve those human resources, we need to improve the education quality first both in infrastructure of education and also teaching staff ability. The infrastructures of education include to procurement of books, class tools, and also use the technology or ICT in the classroom.

ICT in this era is one important aspect in education word, the reason followed that statement are in this globalization world we must up to date with the information which always become different in every second, so we need to use the ICT in teaching process in the class to give the opportunity for students to learn how use the technology wisely for catching the new information which they did not get in the class, and also to help them in learning process because information is not only got from the book, but they need to know other source to improve their knowledge.

ICT use in general terms is any use of “computing devices such as desktop computers, laptops, handheld computers, software, or Internet in K-12 schools for instructional purposes” (Hew & Brush, 2007, p. 225). However, more specifically it refers to the use of technology by teachers for instructional preparation, instructional delivery, and technology as a learning tool for students (Inan & Lowther, 2010). An overview of the developmental history of computer-assisted language learning (CALL) shows that ICT tools have been actively and widely used in language classes from the initiation of computers into the world due to the fact that language teachers have always been the pioneer of using innovative teaching tools in their classes (Amiri, 2000). The history of CALL consists of three distinct phases, i.e., behavioristic, cognitive, and interactive CALL, each of which is characterised with both a certain level of computer technology including mainframes, PCs, and multimedia technologies and a specific language learning and teaching approach including behaviorism, cognitivism, and constructivism (Warschauer, 1996). Coincidental with the development of technology and second language acquisition (SLA) research, EFL teachers have utilized ICT tools for teaching and learning purposes.

ICT use by teachers has been under investigation for a long time for two basic reasons: to find the barriers on the way of successful integration of technology into the curriculum and to take suitable actions in order to include courses of training teachers in modern technologies.

(Rahimi, Mehrak & Yadollahi, Samaneh. (2011). ICT use in EFL classes: A Focus on EFL Teachers’ Characteristics. World Journal of English Language, 1: 13)

ICT as an indispensable tool in English teaching and learning has been included in School English Curriculum Requirements. According that method, new teaching teaching method shall be supported by ICT. Generally, a definitive line has been drawn to define whether ICT is a separate subject to learn or a supportive pedagogical tool across curriculum. But when ICT is used in an integrate way across curriculum, a careful thought shall be given to reveal the subtlety in the roles of ICT. There are two main aspects where ICT is used in English teaching and learning: ICT is use as a tool for teaching English; English is taught via ICT.

In the former aspect, English teacher and learner are aware that they use ICT, particularly computers and network communication, to support teaching and learning. A wide range of ICT applications are used as a tool. For example, teacher and learner use a word processor to enable correcting and redrafting of an essay; they use PPT, Flash and other software to prepare lectures or presentation; teachers and learners use BBS, blog and computer conference to develop cross-cultural understanding. Under this condition, a proportion of attention is paid to ICT itself and the related knowledge. The ICT awareness becomes a psychological burden and in turn leads teachers and students to feel inadequate in ICT knowledge and cause anxiety.

(Qin, Chang & Shuo, Zhao. (2011). The integration of ICT and English teaching. International Conference on Modeling, Simulation and Control, 10: 4)

 

There is no more doubt that use of ICT has positive effect on foreign language teaching and learning. Its impact is highly dependent on the way it is used, the teachers’ motivation and his “savoir-faire”. The following impact seem to be the most obvious ones when using ICT to support foreign language teaching:

·                The possibility to adapt easily the teaching materials according to circumstance, learner’s needs and response;

·                ICT allows to react upon and enables the use of recent/daily news, it offers access to authentic materials on the webs;

·                Possibility to combine/use alternately (basic) skills (text and images, audio and video clip);

·                Lecture become more interesting and less ordinary which both learners’ engagement;

·                ICT enables to focus on the specific aspect of the lesson (pronunciation and vocabulary);

The advantage of ICT usage in foreign language teaching can be listed as:

1.             Capacity to control presentation. This capacity marks the difference between computers and books. Books have a fixed presentation, unlike computers, which can combine visual with listening materials, text with graphics and pictures.

2.             Novelty and creativity. A teacher can use different materials for each lesson, not like in teaching with textbooks, where all classes presenting a certain topic are the same.

3.             Feedback. Computers provide a fast feedback to students` answers through error correction. It not only spots the mistake but also corrects it, sometimes even giving the appropriate advice.

4.             Adaptability. Computer programmers can be adapted by teachers to suit their students’ needs and level of language knowledge. Unlike books, which are produced in a single uniform format and need to be taught irrespectively of students’ problems, computer programmers are more learner- friendly.

The integration of information and communications technology in teaching and learning is considered as a medium in which a variety of approaches and pedagogical philosophies may be implemented. However, ICT as a teaching aid is more complicated in that it demands more specific skills from the teachers. The development of ICT – electronic mail, internet, multi media, possibilities to use collaborative platforms, undoubtedly, influences the process of using them in everyday classroom teaching and learning. ICT no longer serves to be a simple additional means but ICT is an indispensable part of the modern and contemporary learning environment.

The application of ICT gives more opportunities for communication between peer learners: they can exchange information in real time, they can participate in blog discussions, work in teams on different projects, exchange emails, search for information, etc. By using the authentic material provided by the nternet, we will have a better insight into the culture of the country and people whose language we study.

There is significant evidence of the benefits and advantages that the use of ICT can have on learners. The effective use of ICT impacts on learners and various aspects of the learning process can be summarized as follows:

-                 ICT increases learners’ motivation and thus enhances personal commitment and engagement;

-                 ICT improves independent learning;

-                 Learners’ collaboration and communication are more important;

-                 Learners’ attainment and outcomes are improved.

(Isisag, Korkut Uluc. (2014). The positive effect of integrating ICT in foreign language theaching. International Conference “ICT for Language Learning”, 5: 5)

The Conclusion is ICT presents a powerful learning environment for learners in the classroom. Many countries make investments in ICT integration as ICT is viewed as an effective tool for renewing educational practice in any field. Because teachers are the main characters to employ ICT in educational contexts, they should be trained in how ICT can be integrated into the teaching process. The use of information technology maintaining contact, that bond between us that let our students know that support was only a click away, and at the same time giving them a sense of freedom to work on the areas of their learning that they considered important. These tools also promote authentic communication in an environment where this input is scarce and at the same time helps prepare them for the technological work place of the future.

So, all of the teachers and learners especially who teach and learn about foreign language must try to use the technology in the classroom. Because the learning process based on ICT can give more benefits to improving human resources to be better and also this is an easy ways for teachers and learners to catch new information from many sources. Students can be more active to learn and improve the curiosity of them. It process must be following by adequate infrastructure and the ability of human (teachers and learners) to use that technology for teaching and learning.