Hell everybody
Most of the discussion has been going on the side of using technology. But What if the system goes down? The teacher (instructor, presenter, trainer)has to have plan B all the time.A mobile cell can be used for listening exercises instead of computer speakers or a cassette player. A flip-chart can replace the electronic Board. Cards, pictures, flashcards, models and maps can replace images or videos on the computer. The white/black board can be used for drawing or spontaneous writing.
Another point I'd like to raise. I think we should maintain using traditional methods and materials side by side with the modern technology.Modern technology includes new communication skills. That's true. But it includes typing but not writing, and we still need HANDWRITING. Technology takes learners away from the face to face social communication into another sort of addiction, depression and isolation. So there MUST BE SOME SORT OF BALANCE IN USING TECHNOLOGY.
Best wishes
Ahmed Khattab
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Dear Ahmed,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. Technology brings many new opportunities, but it also has its disadvantages, as you rightly point out. It alienates people, especially the younger generations who spend hours on the social networking sites or playing games instead of getting together and have a real communication. So, we should use technology when it offers a better way of teaching and learning something, and we should show our students how they can take advantage of computers and the Internet in order to improve their English, but it can never replace face-to-face communication.
All the best,
Nina
Dear Nina!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment. I agree with you technology is a wonderful magical tool, still we are humans, social beings.
By the way, your English is so sophisticated. I like the way you express your ideas.
All the best,
Ahmed Khattab
Hi Ahmed !
ReplyDeleteAs everything , technology has its disadvantages too and of course , it should be used wisely .Do you realize how much our community is getting strong with all what we are sharing thanks to technology ? How would the world look like with no technology ? A better place to live in certainly ....... !!!
Farah
Dear Farah
ReplyDeleteAlthough we Call for balance between using traditional ways and technology, yet again we have to stress how useful, outstanding and vital technology now is. So, here you remind us of the fact that..."TECHNOLOGY IS A MAGICAL STICK !!!"
All the best!
Ahmed Khattab
Dear Ahmed and all,
ReplyDeleteit is great that you mentioned this aspect of balance in using technology and other traditional methods and materials. Although I am a great fan of all the resources that the computer, and technology can bring to classes, and our lives, we cannot forget that it is not an answer to everything.
Students have to be motivated for learning. And the repetition of a monotonous routine is not the key for that. Even the best site can be tiresome, if it is repeated to exhastion. I totally agree with you: balance is the answer, and the teacher is the person who has the "power" to identify the needs of the students, and choose the appropriate method or material.
Yours,
Marcia - Brazil
Dear Marcia,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment. I am so happy you are supporting the idea that there is no one unique supreme POWER. In addition to that, the teacher is an actor who needs to deliver a message to his/her audience using the most proper tools either modern or traditional.
Best of all
Ahmed Khattab