Technology – When to use it Dr. Rob Martinsen, BYU, Winter 2011

5 Guidelines for Using Technology in Language Teaching 1.A given use of technology in language teaching should improve upon or at least be equal to other techniques using no or low technology. 2.The use of technology should not place undue strain on the time and resources of teachers or students. 3.Within reason, technology can be used simply for the purpose of increasing motivation and interest among students as long as the other principles are not violated. 4.A given use of technology should stem from the teacher’s overall goals for students’ outcomes. 5.Technologies used in education were generally created for other purposes. A given technology, therefore, is best used in ways that mirror its original purpose.

Are these good uses of technology? Russian students go to a computer lab. Then call each other using Skype to have long conversations in Russian. Technologies used in education were generally created for other purposes. A given technology, therefore, is best used in ways that mirror its original purpose. A given use of technology in language teaching should improve upon or at least be equal to other techniques using no or low technology. Technologies used in education were generally created for other purposes. A given technology, therefore, is best used in ways that mirror its original purpose.

Are these good uses of technology? Students create a website with lots of pictures of their favorite French singer and write about them, mostly in English. Within reason, technology can be used simply for the purpose of increasing motivation and interest among students as long as the other principles are not violated.

Are these good uses of technology? A teacher asks students to get online with a native speaker. They are to read a written dialogue out load from the class textbook. A given use of technology should stem from the teacher’s overall goals for students’ outcomes. Technologies used in education were generally created for other purposes. A given technology, therefore, is best used in ways that mirror its original purpose.