Journal of Languages and Literatures (JOLL) Volume 3 No 2 (2018) pp.

190-198

Language Teaching and Technology

By

Michael, Akumjika Chikamma

&

Udechukwu, Chinwe Nwaudu

Abstract
Technology plays vital role in all spheres of human endeavour, especially in this 21 st century.
The paper looks at the use of technology in language teaching; it concentrates on the use of
modern technology in language teaching and the use of technology as an advanced instructional
material. The purpose of the paper is to discuss how technology can be used in language teaching
in order to facilitate teaching/learning. The paper presents and explains some of the technologies
for language teaching like: the audiotapes, CDrom, television/radio, electronic dictionaries,
electronic mail, digital games, power point presentation, internet web based language teaching,
internet telephony, audio conferencing, personal/visual learning environment, web 2.0, and
electronic library. The paper notes that with the use of modern technology, one can learn a
language without necessarily being in the physical classroom. The paper also reveals that the use
of modern technology in language teaching and learning gives access to language learning
anytime/anywhere.

Introduction

The use of technology in language teaching is as old as language teaching. Meskill

(2011) notes that virtually every type of language teaching methods have its own technology to
support it. He further notes that the grammar translation method which involves translating
target language to native language made use of chalk board as a form of technology. On the other
hand, the audiotape was a perfect technology used for audio-lingual method. For effective
teaching and learning to take place, whether with the use of traditional technology or the modern
 Journal of Languages and Literatures (JOLL) Volume 3 No 2 (2018) pp. 190-198

technology the teachers and the learners ought to understand what teaching is all about. They are
expected to know and also have a guideline of teaching in other to facilitate learning. Brown
(2001:17-18) sees teaching methods as “approaches in action”. According to him, it is a
practical application of theoretical findings and positions in language teaching. The languages
that are taught are: second language, foreign language, official language, alternate language, and
lingua franca.

Language teaching is an interaction between the language teacher and the learner to
effect a desirable change in the learner. The changes can be from non user to poor user, from
poor user to imperfect user, finally from imperfect user to perfect user. Language learners need
some sorts of practice after learning, and the use of modern technologies would make it easier.
Language learners need to practice on hearing, reading, speaking and writing language in order
to develop their experiences and skills (Ybarra & Green, 2003). The use of technology
encompasses both the modern and the traditional technology. The term modern technologies
includes communication techniques for language teaching which, according to Davies and
Hewer (2012) the personal computer plays a central. Modern technology enhanced language
teaching has made learning more accessible. Modern technology enhanced technology language
teaching has to do with the use of hardware and software in the teaching system such as:
computer based system, multimedia, electronic support system, telecommunication system and
the internet.

Technology is the advancement in the methods and tools used in problem solving. In
language teaching or any other form of teaching, technology includes all the tools used in
teaching starting from chalkboard, pencil, paper, projector and other forms of modern
technologies like videotapes, audiocassette, computer, mobile phone, email, goggle, skype
internet and so on.

The Concept of Teaching and Technology

Teaching is the activity a teacher performs to produce a change in the learner’s

behaviour. The major aim of teaching is to facilitate learning; this is to say that, if there is no
learner, there will be no teacher. Onyemerekeya (2001:1-2) opines that teaching influences
learners to make desirable changes in their behaviour. He goes to say that these changes may be

in three areas: an increase store of useful information and the understanding of basic principles
in the subject matter, the second change may be acquisition of skills, abilities and habits, and
finally the possession of desirable attitudes, values and ideas.

Hough and Duncan (1970:2) define teaching as “an activity, a unique, professional,
rationale and human activity in which one creatively and imaginatively uses himself and his
knowledge to promote learning. Teaching is a systematic activity deliberately engaged in by
somebody to facilitate the learning of the intended worthwhile knowledge, skills and value by
another person and getting the necessary feedback (Akudolu 1984). Teaching can be seen as an
act because it involves systematic methods and there are differences in the styles of teaching
depending on what the teacher wants to achieve. Saylor et al. (1974:10) define teaching as “a
process whereby one mediates between another and the substance of this world to facilitate
learning”.

According to Pring (1979:67 teaching means engaging in certain activities which will be
instrumental in bringing about in another, the learning of something that can be characterised or
specified, the person doing the teaching has an intension or objective and he adopt appropriate
measures to achieve that”. Offorma (1994:134) notes that teaching involves the setting up of
activities which can improve the persons (learners) knowledge, skills, attitudes and values.

Technologies for Language Teaching

Technologies are changing the way people learn by offering alternatives to the traditional
classroom. In this era, it is very easy to have access to education anytime and anywhere.
Technology has also made online education possible which is designed to meet the need for
flexibility and convenience of the students anytime any day. There are many of these
technologies in language teaching which we shall highlight as much as we can in the paper.

Audiocassette Tapes

The use of audiocassettes in recording can help language teacher in teaching as well as
testing the listening skills of the language learner. The audio tape can convey information that
 Journal of Languages and Literatures (JOLL) Volume 3 No 2 (2018) pp. 190-198

may be easier to illustrate. The audiotapes can be used to drill the pronunciation of the language
learner or for practice in which the students will have to repeat after the cassette. This is evident
in the Denial Jones audio dictionary in English language.

CD ROM

Compact disk read only memory (CD ROM) can be used to store information digitally
and can be accessed using computer. It helps in the storage of information in a variety of ways
like: text animation, audio and graphics. This learning device is used to store information which
is useful is for teaching. The information stored in this device can be reviewed from time to time
to see changes that the language in question has undergone since language changes over time.

Television/ Radio

There are different programmes designed for language teaching and teaching on
television and radio. Language learners ought to identify educational language programme that
will help them in developing their language ability. They ought to choose the programme they
are suitable for Igbo language teaching which they call “Igbo bu Igbo”. In this programme
people are giving the opportunity to call and ask any question concerning the language, in some
cases, the presenter in turn ask the listeners questions about the Igbo language.

Electronic Dictionaries (e-dictionary)

Another modern way for improving the vocabulary of the learner focuses on the
utilisation of electronic dictionaries designed specifically for English language learners. These
dictionaries have several built-in functions and tools that are not providing in book dictionaries
(Constantinescu, 20007). Electronic dictionaries are also easy to use and represent quick tools for
vocabulary acquisition. The use of electronic dictionary makes it possible for the language
learner to access any word he/she is not familiar with even without the language teacher.
Electronic dictionary can provide both the origin of the word, the pronunciation, the word class,
the synonym and the antonym of the word which makes it easier for the language learners to
understand.
Electronic mail (e-mail)

Electronic mail is a modern way for writing and transferring messages through the
internet. Using e-email can be a very effective means for improving writing skills. Singhal
(1997) asserts that students can use e-mails to learn how to respond to the incoming messages
using formal statements and meaningful language.

Digital Game

Digital games have included numerous platforms and designs which can be played to
facilitate language teaching and learning. These games are characterised by rules, goals and
objectives, outcomes, feedback, interaction, and representation of story (Prensky, 2001). They
are distinguished by two key elements: an interactive virtual laying environment and the struggle
of the player against some kind of opposition designed to achieve some set objectives. Kloter
et.al. (2009) assert that the most obvious benefits of using these technologies for learning is that
students are already familiar with these interfaces and the language of interacting with and
utilizing them. These games can be used both inside and outside the classroom. Facer (2003)
opines that digital games give language learners the:

i ability to process information very quickly;

ii ability to determine what is and is not of relevance to them;

iii ability to process information in parallel, at the same time from a range of different resources;

iv familiarity to access information in the first instance through imagery and then use text to
clarify, expand and explore; and

vii familiarity with non-geographically bounded networks of communication.

Computer

The computer as an instrument for language teaching involves the use computers as
medium for delivering instructional materials to learners. Computer assisted communication
technology is designed to facilitate communication irrespective of your location. They include:
Email, Twitter, Whatsapp, Phone, Ipad and other messaging and answering machines. In a
language classroom, the computer may have the following roles: teaching the students’ new
language, translating a text from one language to the other, learning new vocabularies and
pronunciation. The computer can also perform as a tool for language testing by testing students
on the already learned structure through drill and practice. The computer provides the students
with the information they need to solve certain problem while learning a language. The computer
serves as communication facilitator- it allows students to communicate with others through
Skype, visual learning environment etc.

Computer is also used for language testing to know the progress level the language
learner has attained through computer based.

Internet Web Based Language Teaching

The internet web based language teaching provides teachers and learners with the
environment where they access and study online. This avenue also allows real time interaction
between the learners and the teachers. Web based teaching gives students the opportunity to
engage in learning anytime they want. Some enrol in language schools through different course
enrolment tools like: e-college, blackboard or epic, desire to learn, audio-conferencing, webCT,
videoconferencing, visual learning environment, personal learning environment, they are all used
to access online resources. The web can be used in the teaching of second or foreign language for
instance, teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) or teaching English as a
foreign language (TEFL).

Smith (2010) recognises three broad categories of web-based technology for

teaching/learning which he highlights as follows:

1) Augmented: In this category, web based instruction is use to extend the physical
classroom in order to supplement face to face instructions. In this model, students meet
with teachers in the classroom on regular bases. These online tools are used to carry out
assignment outside the class lesson period.
2) Blended, distributed or hybrid category: This type of web instruction involves both online
teaching and face to face class room teaching. It may involve an initial interaction with
the teacher, thereafter, the online classes follow or it may involve some period of face to
face classroom interaction and some period of online classes.
 3) Online learning: It is designed to meet the need of the people who are so much busy with
their work, their families and other engagements. It allows students to plan and complete
any course online at their convenience. This model has the flexibility to fit into the busy
lives of anybody interested in studying.

Internet Telephony

Internet telephony is voice-over-internet protocol (VoIP), a technology which is used for

transmitting telephone calls over the internet. It takes audio signals into the digital data for
transmission over the internet. For example, whatsapp call, video call and facebook call. Internet
telephony can be used in teaching and learning. The use of internet voice chatting for
communication will be very beneficial to the learner if the other side speaker is a native speaker
of the learner’s target language.

Audio/Video Conferencing

Audio conferencing is a type of technology that allows two-way communication between

teachers and learners. This technology is used in connecting to conference call in such a way that
all the participants connect so to converse simultaneously. Video conferencing on the other hand,
allows participating individuals in different locations to see each other. Video conferencing uses
the internet as the transmission infrastructure. This can be done through Skype.

Browsing the Internet

Hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) is the primary protocol for transmitting of

information across the internet. Information is exchanged between clients and servers in the form
of hypertext documents. HTTP is the set of rules for transferring files on the World Wide Web
(www). As soon as the web browsers include: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox and Goggle
Chrome.

The internet is a technological tool for language instructors/teachers and for learners
which is used in language teaching. There are many Internet websites designed solely to enhance
the reading abilities of language learners. There are also a huge number of resources available in
the form of newspapers, magazines, journals, electronic libraries, dictionaries, encyclopaedias,
textbook and newsletters (Kenworthy, 2004). Browsing these resources and sites will obviously
enhance the learner’s vocabulary and reading ability.

Personal Learning Environment/Visual Learning Environment

Personal learning environment as conceptualised by Attwell (2006) refers to a set of

different applications, services and various other types of learning resources gathered from
contexts. It is constructed by an individual and used for leaning. It is not an application or a
system but a personal assemblage supporting new learning modalities induced by ubiquitous
technologies and social software. Personal learning environment is not imposed on the
individual; it is built by the learner to suit the learners’ need. This learning environment can be
used for English for specific purposes.

Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) is a system of delivery of learning materials to

students though the web. This involves the student’s coloration and communication tools with
his or her institution. Students can access this learning environment both in the campus and
outside the campus. VLE makes it possible for students who cannot visit the campus due to one
reason or the other to enrol in the institution and study at the comfort of their homes. Institutions
are licensed for VLE. The institutions create courses online to complement face to face teaching.
Institutions create syllabus and provide online content package file which provides the students
with the textbooks they need; they also provide self test for the students.

Web 2.0

The Web 2.0 according to Smitt (2010:21) is built around the concept of social
networking or building communities of people who have shared interests and it is constructed by
an individual and used in everyday life for learning. These sites allows the user post a profile,
photos, videos, chat, blog, and connect with their peers through the individual bulletin boards,
private groups and forums to learn other people’s culture, language and other aspect of language
study. These sites are made up of facebook, my space, think, com.biigo, wikis, blog and other
discussion forums.

Advantages of Teaching with the Modern Technology

 The use of technology in language teaching helps to bring learners of different
communities together thereby making it easier for one to lean the community, the culture and the
language of the people involved without going to those communities. Technology in language
teaching also creates learning communities which bring people together for shared learning,
discovery, and the generation of knowledge.

Researchers, especially theoretical researchers may not need to live the comfort of their
homes in search of materials. Materials can easily be accessed online through e-dictionaries, e-
libraries and other online materials. Lecturers and students may not need to carry books here and
there; this is because lecture materials are on soft copy which the teacher may decide to share
through emails or other electronic means.

Mchuhan (2012) highlights the advantages of using the internet for teaching thus:

1) Access: the internet offers the possibility to experience language teaching/learning

without the need to travel.
2) Flexibility: the internet allows for users to learn a language when and where they want.
3) Response: the internet offers the possibility of instant feedback to learners. This greatly
enhances the learning experience.
4) Repeatability: the learner can encounter b the language in a repetitive fashion until
mastery is achieved.
5) Durability: the internet is 24/7. It never tires; it does not take coffer breaks.
6) Modality: the internet is a multi modal learning tool. It stimulates in a rich sensory and
cognitive and thus fertilizes language acquisition successfully.
7) Specificity: the internet allows the language learner the choice and variety in both what
and with who will be learned. Learning can be tailored to the language learner’s precise
makeup and need.

The Disadvantages of Teaching with the Modern Technology

In as much as the benefits of technology in language teaching cannot be overemphasized,

there are also hitches in its use. Some of these disadvantages are as follows:

1) It can be finance consuming.

 2) Some people are not familiar with modern facilities; therefore, learning fast becomes a
problem.
3) People get distracted learning using the internet. The distraction may be from e-email,
Facebook, Whatsapp, Skype, Twitter, and other social media networking.
4) In a country such as Nigeria, power can be a hindrance to teaching/learning due to its
epileptic power supply.
5) The use of technology in teaching can cause unemployment. This is because the work
load is usually reduced.
6) The language of study may not be provided in the devices.

Summary and Conclusion

Technologies are changing the way people learn, offering new alternatives to the
traditional/physical classroom. Technology has made it possible for learners to have access to
education anytime and anywhere. It gives the learners the opportunity to learn based on their
language need and not how the syllabus or the curriculum is designed. Technology has made
learning easy and materials accessible to learners unlike those days when researchers have to go
from one institution to another in search of learning materials. One can take up a language course
without going to the school or travelling to the country he/she wants to learn the language. There
are different technologies used in language teaching some of which, we do not know due to the
level of technological development in the country.

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