Reading Prompt # 9

EGBERT Ch. 9. Limitations, Caveats, and Challenge
Which of the limitations, caveats, and challenges with regards to computer assisted language learning apply to your current (or future) classrooms? How could these be overcome?

I think that technology helps achieve better results in student’s academic growth. We as teachers are responsible for introducing the skills necessary to address all of our student’s needs regarding technology (finding well designed programs and software that are easy to navigate and understand, with good graphics, reliable material in their language. That way the students will have a positive experience using and been introduced into the technological world. Also technology helps and assists students with disabilities to work independently with the computer (voice recognition software, screen enlargement, screen readers, adaptive keywords); but sometimes the lack of funding in schools and district makes it difficult for those students. Technological constraints and lack of funding in schools affect all of us in some way. There is a huge gap in that area: not enough computers in the classrooms, Internet access, software, etc. Technology is a great tool to embrace the incorporation linguistically and culturally in diverse students. (e.g. teachers can offer plenty of first language support by using native languages software, translations services and websites) but without funding it will be difficult.

Parents and teachers need to teach and monitored kids at an early aged how to overcome with the issues regarding the access to the Internet. Plagiarism, harassment, knowing how to differentiate reliable information on the web, etc. I like the rules for Online Safety and the kid’s pledge, it is a fun and responsible way to become responsible using the web. :)