The Role of Technology in Teaching English Effectively- A Study Based on South Eastern University of Sri Lanka M.H.F Shimla & M.I.F Kareema

Introduction Language teaching and learning can be made effective with more awareness created in technology. Second language teaching methodology Grammar translation method Audio lingual method Communicative language teaching (CLT) Eclectic method Use of technology in teaching English is a part of Audio lingual method, which pays way to learner centered education.

Benefits of Technology in Teaching There are several online English courses to upgrade English throughout the world but at the SAC we are licensed to access only three courses in Dyned. First English Hospitality English New Dynamic English Installation of Treck software in 2006, it includes lessons as well as exercises

Teaching English at SEUSL ELTU serves for all four faculties FAC, FMC, FIA , FAS Audio Visual materials Tape recorders Multimedia projectors Video clips Films OHP Since 2006 we are having a CALL Lab, which is called Self Access Centre to provide Computer Assisted Language Learning. Although we use the above mentioned Audio Lingual materials use of the SAC plays a major role in effective teaching.

Research Problem Why do most of the undergraduates face difficulties in learning English? What are the problems faced by the teachers and the learners in using technology? How can we motivate the learners to learn English easily?

Objectives of the Study Main Objective To encourage the teachers to use technology and teach their students to use technology in English language learning. Sub Objectives To identify various ways to improve the English knowledge of students . To identify the limitations to use the technology in teaching English. Provide suggestions to improve the use of SAC.

Methodology Data Collection Primary Data Questionnaires Interviews Observation Secondary Data Text books Methods Qualitative Method Quantitative Method

Findings The role of technology in teaching English helps the students to improve reading, listening, speaking, writing, pronunciation and grammar. Variation in skills development in DynEd and Trec-k

Contd …..Findings Use of Audio Cassettes improve Listening Speaking Pronunciation More over to make teaching easier we are even using the OHP, Multimedia, video clips, and films. Benefits of using technology to the teacher To make teaching easier To save time To teach clearly Students To make learning easier To increase students participation and motivation

Limitations of the Use of Technology Lack of Resources Instructors Technicians Computers Headset UPS Lack of Labs ( One lab for each faculty ) Continuous power failure

Suggestions to Improve the Technologies To Recruit separate trained instructors Recruiting technicians To Increase the number of computers and head sets Increasing the number of labs(one for each faculty) To Increase the space of the present lab to accommodate more students

Conclusion As we pointed out students participating in learning language through technology courses have responded favourably. The role of technology in teaching English had met the expectations of students. Teachers believe that the technology can actively improve the listening, speaking, writing abilities and the vocabulary of the learners. Due to the limitations that we found in using the SAC at ELTU,CALL lab is regularly accessible only for a few number of students from FAC and FIA. By overcoming the limitations; solutions can be found to use technology effectively to Improve language skills of the learners.

Thank You