Section 5
Modern Languages and Information and Communications Technology
Advice on the use and applications of information and communications technology across the curriculum is contained in the Information and Communications Technology: 5-14 National Guidelines. It is generally recognised that ICT, which is developing at a rapidly increasing pace, has the potential to permeate most areas of the curriculum. ICT does, however, have a natural affinity with modern languages. All strands and their exemplification assume that, where practicable, schools and teachers will choose to enhance teaching and learning activities in the modern languages classroom through the use of ICT. Many of the activities outlined in the exemplification can be significantly enhanced by the use of e-mail, the internet, CD-ROM, databases, videoconferencing facilities and interactive CDs, as well as technology such as television, discs or cassettes, and fax. The more real contact young people can have through all or some of these means with real language in real use, the more effective the learning experience.The use of new technologies to communicate instantaneously with counterparts in the countries whose languages are being studied is one obvious application. The capacity to access, on the day of publication, text produced in current foreign language about events in these countries is a second very significant application.
Through the application of ICT in a modern languages classroom, pupils are not only enhancing their language skills but also acquiring additional ICT skills, which will be valuable both in future learning and later in the workplace. It is valuable if teachers can assist in developing ICT capability in young learners to the maximum, and at the same time realise its potential as a helpful tool in teaching and learning.
The seven strands of ICT 5-14 are:
- creating and presenting
- collecting and analysing
- searching and researching
- communicating and collaborating
- controlling and modelling
- developing informed attitudes.
While all seven strands are relevant to activities in the modern languages classroom, those of most immediate relevance include:
- creating and presenting: in publishing documents, project work or web pages
- searching and researching: in using search engines to find information on websites and in comparing information retrieved
- communicating and collaborating: in composing and preparing individual and group communications through e-mail.
Further information on the potential uses of new and traditional technology is provided in greater length in the Guide for Teachers and Managers: Modern Languages 5-14.
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