Many would argue that integrating technology in the classroom is harmful. The Art teachers would say that it takes authenticity away from art and the English teachers would say that it allows for more plagiarism but what would a Foreign Language teacher say? While it is true that technology in the classroom has different negative aspects in different classrooms, it is unfair to deny its significance in other classrooms such as those of a foreign language. I do not believe that schools should be for or against technology in their classrooms. Rather I believe they should refuse it where it may harm the learning process and provide it where it may enhance the process. I am convinced that Foreign Language classrooms need technology and, in my opinion, supplying Foreign Language classrooms with technology would create a more authentic learning atmosphere for the students despite what the Art teachers may say.
When students learn a new language, they are not only learning the vocabulary and sentence structure but they are also learning about the people who speak it. Through the use of technology, students would be able to hear the different dialects and accents a language consumes. Instead of learning about the culture through textbooks, they could be digitally transported to Spain or to China, for instance, to see what their cities look like in 3-D instead of through colored-in photos the textbooks provide. If technology was readily available in Foreign Language classrooms, the students could practically walk amongst the people to see what they look like and how they dress. Instead of trying to create a vision in their minds they could hear it and see it in all of its genuine, unfeigned forms. Technology needs to be integrated into Foreign Language classrooms for only then will students learning a new language be able to authentically absorb the true nature of it.
Many people are fighting for the wrong thing. The battle is not over whether or not technology should be integrated; The true battle is allowing people to see that integrating technology should not be a choice but an obligatory option in specific classrooms.
What do you think?
I think technology is a really useful part of learning in all fields. I never thought of using a speech program to hear what the words sound like in a foreign language. I have been studying Spanish for a year and that would have really came in handy! Thanks for sharing the info.
ReplyDeleteYou bring up an excellent point: “I do not believe that schools should be for or against technology in their classrooms. Rather I believe they should refuse it where it may harm the learning process and provide it where it may enhance the process.”
ReplyDeleteAs a future art teacher, I understand what you mean by how we art teachers feel that technology takes away authenticity… it does sometimes! But similar to what you said, there are times when technology is not needed, and times where it can help you teach a more successful lesson.
I liked your example for foreign languages of students being “digitally transported” to these countries they are learning about. Art teachers have these resources, too. I recently found a site that digitally transports you inside the Sistine Chapel where you can see everything as if you are standing in the room, you can even zoom in!
This is a great blog, and I hold a similar view of technology as you. There are times for technology, and there are other times when it is not needed.