Category: ELTWeekly Vol. 5

Current technology provides new opportunities to increase the effectiveness of language learning and teaching. Incorporating well-organized and effective technology into second language learning and teaching for improving students’ language proficiency has been refined by researchers and educators for many decades. Based on the rapidly changing evolution of technology, it is important for language teachers to recognize how to effectively and efficiently integrate technology into their curriculum design for not only helping students acquire second language easily, but also enhancing their motivation successfully.

This digest highlights non-Internet technology for teaching and learning foreign languages. Specific sections discuss (1) software for language teaching and learning; (2) authoring aids; (3) language lab systems; (3) networked multimedia; and (4) distance learning via satellite. (Contains 7 references and a list of 17 resources for further information.) (JL)

Meta communication plays a key role in foreign language learning and teaching. Broadly speaking, meta communication is communication about communication. Meta communication is something that goes beyond communication and all language learners and teachers should be familiar with its existence. It should be stressed that meta communication which accompanies any message is very powerful. In face to face writing lessons, the student can make emphasis on any point by utilizing larger fonts, capital letters, or bold fonts in his essay.

The costs and benefits of investing in new, multimedia technology for teaching languages are examined, looking at one recent grant-based Australian project for instructional development in German on CD-ROM. Limitations are discussed, including limited expertise, labor and equipment costs, need for flexible delivery, and cost-effectiveness of instructional development for languages with low demand. (MSE)

This article aims to review 17 studies appearing in TOJET on the interrelation between technology and English as a foreign language (EFL) learning and teaching. It focuses on the research that investigates the relationship between technology and EFL learning and teaching in terms of the topics, participants, research design, and conclusions of the articles. Finally, implications for pedagogy and research are discussed. Studies related to technology use in EFL learning and teaching are listed in an appendix. (Contains 3 tables and 2 figures.)