I am interested in some issues connected to the use of technology, particularly in the Internet as a virtual connector to foreign cultures. The Internet is a powerful tool that can be used to create a complete environment for communicative learning and provide new opportunities to individualize the learning process. However, given its potential, it should not be considered merely a method substitute because it represents a whole new approach toward language teaching.

Some of the advantages in using technology for second language learning are:

• the capacity of the multi-media learning software and the World Wide Web (WWW) to provide sound, picture and text

• the flexibility of working with computers. Students can go back and forth with texts and pictures, control the volume or repeat audio files, and easily copy or print out the documents they need.

• the WWW provides a large range of information about geography, history, economy, business, and most importantly, culture, as well as up-to-date links to foreign newspapers, popular culture exhibits, and other authentic realia.

Especially for the less commonly taught languages which usually suffer from lack of materials, it can be used to further stimulate the students' interests and motivations for mastering the second language. Thus, technology offers a variety of options which provide greater challenge and inspire a positive attitude in learners. This variety satisfies students with different learning styles and needs.

See for more:

Technology and Second Language Learning Project at the U of M.

Computer Assisted Language Learning

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