Title : Opportunities in Technology-enhanced Language Learning (TELL) Classroom Environments
Journal - volume: Teaching English with Technology
October 2004,Vol 4, Issue 4
http://www.iatefl.org.pl/call/j_article19.htmAuthor's name: Hee-Jung Jung, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
Sang Hyun Kim, University of Mississippi, University, MS, USA
Article ReviewThis research was done with the aims of exploring and improving the students' level of proficiency in language learning with classrooms that are equipped with the proper technology and equipment. The methodology that have been implemented in getting The methods that they have used in order to obtain the findings are through interviews, observation and collection of documents from students in two different technology enhanced language learning (TELL) environments or surroundings. They have done so for two months. The interviews were done after each class with both students and teachers. This research was done in one English classroom in two different schools in South Korea. Both classes are 5th and 8th grade EFL classrooms. The amount of students that were involved in this study are 22 boys and 20 girls. Their first language is of course Korean and most of them are able to speak English almost like the natives even though they have just started to learn the language in the particular classroom. The subjects have been exposed to quite an amount of technology in their classrooms. For example, their classrooms are equipped with a networked computer, a scanner, printer, camcorder, overhead projector, 45-inch television, and so on. There are even computer monitors on each of the students' tables. This is quite impressive considering that every classroom in those particular schools are equipped with same things. Even the teachers implement software and the Internet with their daily teachings and lessons to the students. Even their MOE have developed software for each grade and the teachers are required to use them in the classrooms. The 8th grade students focused more on all four language skills and the amount of students are a bit less compared to the 5th graders. Based on their findings from their observations and interviews, the researchers have discovered eight different conditions that can be seen in both TELL classrooms. The first condition is the students have opportunities to interact and negotiate meaning. The second condition is the students do interact and utilize the target language with native speakers of the language. The third condition is the learners are involved in conditions where they can use the target language.
The fourth is learners are exposed and encouraged to produce varied and creative language. The fifth is learners have ample time and feedback. The sixth is the learners are guided to attend mindfully to the learning process. The seventh is learners work in an atmosphere with an ideal stress/anxiety level and finally the last condition is the learners' autonomy is supported.
In my opinion, I think that this research is interesting because of the results or conditions that were discovered by the researchers when they observed the two classrooms. With the use of technology in the classroom, students are more interested and thus, the process of teaching and learning is maximized further. Even the transfer of knowledge from the teachers to students are done easily and very well. With these equipments at hand, the process of teaching and learning are greatly improved when both are integrated together. This research was very well conducted with all the necessary information included if by any chance the readers have any doubts or misunderstanding on the given topic of the study. Even I had a hard time in trying to prove the study have defaults even though I am not an expert. In my opinion, the information that were stated in this journal is complete if not, sufficient for proper referencing. From where I stand now, this research showed to us that technology does help in teaching. In this case, the teaching of language is done tremendously well. From what I see, these technologies that are made available in each classroom is the key. The possibilities of students' interest levels rising and making them eager to learn is potentially beneficial if it was to be done in our own country's school context. Based on my personal experience during my practicum, I too noticed that the students were more eager to learn when I used any type or form of technology in my class. If the technologies and equipments are made available in our schools, I have no doubt that our education system will be greatly improved just like the students in South Korea. Education is the key of the future and with knowledge, we will prevail and prosper.
