IATEFL 2012 An ecological, bottom-up approach to the implementation of technology in the English language classroom. Thomas Ewens Glasgow 2012

IATEFL 2012 Overview introducing technology does not necessarily represent progress, but it does represent change, i.e. it changes the ecology of the classroom technology is best implemented from the bottom up rather than from the top down technology is best implemented from the bottom up rather than from the top down practical applications, a different approach to training teachers in technology practical applications, a different approach to training teachers in technology

IATEFL 2012 Critical vs Sceptical Critical – assessing the ways and extent to which technology can aid learning Sceptical – believe that technology can sometimes inhibit learning and teaching

IATEFL 2012 Postman Dudeney (2011) the fact that Postman was active before the explosion of Web 2.0 invalidates his ideas

IATEFL 2012 Postman Postman- technology giveth but also taketh away The benefits of technology consistently emphasized by those who have a stake in it, now, as in Postmans day Postman emphasized the negative in order to present a counter-balance

IATEFL 2012 Technopoly Postman technology should never supersede or replace human values in any field Postmans technopoly is alive and well

IATEFL 2012 Postman Postman – What is the problem which this technology solves? much internet technology does not solve any particular problem but instead makes communication easier and cheaper

IATEFL 2012 An ecological view sensitive to the delicate ecology of the classroom open to the benefits technology can bring humble enough to learn both critical and sceptical instinct and intuition

IATEFL 2012 Top-down vs bottom-up top-down implementation can be disempowering and expensive learners themselves are in the best position to decide what they do and do not need

IATEFL 2012 Case study: IWBs expensive all teachers forced to use them, were not consulted minimal training in how to use them money would be better spent on teacher training, or on charging less for classes (the most expensive in Almaty) echoes Postmans criticism of the installation of computers in schools

IATEFL 2012 Case study: Egypt Warschauer (2002) top-down approach to encouraging teachers to use technology teachers and students had no input

IATEFL 2012 The implications for teaching and teacher training Bottom-up approach probably not applicable in every context Blogs and wikis, use of mobiles, video and audio, popular websites etc can all be negotiated with learners

IATEFL 2012 Pre and in-service training Technology courses in CELTA and DELTA are either non-existent or seem to be a fashion parade of gadgets and special effects with no real discussion as to what principles might motivate their best use (Thornbury, 2011)

IATEFL 2012 A new approach to training a need for short, focused training courses in the use of particular technologies can be done online, a platform like Moodle accessible to teachers as and when needed

IATEFL 2012 The benefits motivating - the teacher has intrinsic motivation convenient – can be taken at any time cost-effective – no need to hire a teacher- trainer from outside good for students – their needs can be met

IATEFL 2012 Bibliography Buckland, S. Is Educational Technology Killing or Liberating Our Souls? Humanising Language Teaching Magazine. 11. (6). December Dornyei, Z. (1994) Motivation and Motivating in the Foreign Language Classroom. The Modern Language Journal. (78) pp Dudeney, G Wait a Minute Mr Postman (online) [recovered on 28/7/11] Postman, N. (1992) Technopoly: The Surrender of Culture to Technology. Vintage Books. New York. Thornbury, S. (2011) E is for Education Technology (online) [recovered on 28/7/11] YouTube (2010) Technology and Society by Neil Postman 4/7 (online) [recovered on 28/7/11] YouTube (2010) Technology and Society by Neil Postman 4/7 (online) [recovered on 28/7/11] Warschauer, M. (2000) On-line learning in the second language classroom: An ethnographic study. In; Warschauer and Kern (eds) Network-based language teaching: Concepts and Practices. CUP Warschauer, M. (2002) A Develomental Perspective on Technology in Language Education. TESOL Quarterly 36 (3). pp

IATEFL 2012 Thank You Thank you for your kind attention.