The Importance of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Language Learning
The term ICT is now also used to refer to the merging (convergence) of audio-visual and telephone networks with computer networks through a single cabling or link system. There are large economic incentives (huge cost savings due to elimination of the telephone network) to merge the audio-visual, building management and telephone network with the computer network system using a single unified system of cabling, signal distribution and management. This in turn has spurred the growth of organizations with the term ICT in their names to indicate their specialization in the process of merging the different network systems. Some of the dangers of ICTs include cyberbullying, phishing as well as masquerading.
We can understand about the importance of ICT in language learning by finding how far learners using and developing ICT. There are a lot of kind of ICT that we can found arround us. For example : cell phone , computer, OHP, infocus, Internet, website, power point, and so on. That widget can help us to communicate with every people in this word and help us to get more information easier and fast. That is the benefit of using ICT. In language learning, teachers sometimes explain the material by using ICT. They prefer to use ICT than giving explanation infront of the class because, it is more efficient. So, teacher should know about the technology around us.
We can understand about the importance of ICT in language learning by finding how far learners using and developing ICT. Before that, we must understand what is ICT itself. ICT covers any product that will store, retrieve, manipulate, transmit or receive information electronically in a digital form. For example, personal computers, digital television, email, robots.
ICT in education can be broadly categorized in the following ways as
- ICT as a subject (i.e., computer studies)
- ICT as a tool to support traditional subjects (i.e., computer-based learning, presentation, research)
- ICT as an administrative tool (i.e., education management information systems/EMIS)
There are a lot of kind of ICT as a toll to support traditional subjects that we can found arround us. These are some example of ICT such as : cell phone , computer, OHP, infocus, Internet, website, power point, and so on. That widget can help us to communicate with every people in this word and help us to get more information easier and fast. So, many people in this world used ICT to improve their life.
The learners can access ICT in the different way. Teacher can ask the student to search some information and submitt it by posting on the his blog as soon as possible. Techer can also download the sound related the topic in listening section and share it to the students by giving them the file, so they can listen with their audio player. It can be more effective then just play the tape recorder infront of the class. The other benefit of using ICT is the learners can read e-book and get information without pay more.
By using ICT, language learning can be improved. First, teachers can give the illustration which related the topic. Teachers can give the illustration about something by using application or software. Teachers must understand the using of computer well so, they can manage the application which is appropiate with the content of material, for example using the Ms. Power point. The contents are more interesting and clear. After that, teachers used infocus or OHP to show the presentation so the learners can see it. Second, teacher can used some gadget such as : walkman, tape recorder, discman, etc to improve language skill beside reading the book. Then, learners can acceess the information in internet fast, easy and actual by finding from website.
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