Section 5
Specific Issues in Modern Languages
The role of information and communications technology in modern languages 5-14
Modern Languages has a very close and natural affinity with information and communications technology. Through the application of ICT in a modern languages classroom, pupils are not only enhancing their language skills but also acquiring additional ICT skills that will be valuable both in future learning and later in the|
workplace. It is valuable if teachers can assist in developing to the maximum ICT capability in young learners and at the same time realise ICT's potential as a helpful tool in teaching and learning.
ICT can be helpful in the following ways. |
Modern Languages has a very close and natural affinity with information and communications technology. |
- Communication through e-mail provides young people with opportunities to contact speakers of the target language swiftly and read responses almost instantaneously.
- The internet can offer access to information of real interest and relevance to the pupils' own lives, thereby enhancing motivation.
- The internet can offer access to up-to-date news items with which the pupils are already familiar in first language.
- Learners can search for information on the internet for use on projects, assignments and personal research.
- CD-ROMs can store vast quantities of information and provide opportunities for interaction, language consolidation and recycling.
- DVDs can provide entire films on one disc in a range of target languages. Subtitles can be added in a number of languages. There is also the facility to access quickly particular scenes in the film for comprehension exercises and to focus on particular constructions.
- Videoconferencing allows learners to conduct face-to-face conversations with others. It can be used to conduct conferences on topics of mutual interest with schools elsewhere, at least in part in the foreign language.
- Through databases and other sites, teachers and pupils can access up-to-the minute materials and information for classroom use.
- Multimedia packages can assist in the production of presentations on selected topics.
- Software designed to assist schools in the production of school websites can facilitate contact with 'visitors'. Schools can use the sites to display work composed in the foreign languages.