English is one of the most important languages which have played a role in the process of globalization and knowledge explosion. It is the most common means of communication throughout the globe. This is why it is termed as a Link language, Global language as well as Lingua Franca. In the Indian context, it is treated as ESL (English as a Second Language). Use of the English language has become vital for better learning and earning. Therefore, it is necessary to teach English and develop English language skills among the students from school level. The government, NGOs and educational institutions are working at various levels and taking measures to ensure better ELT (English Language Teaching) and developing English language skills among the students. To teach English and develop English language skills various approaches and methods are in use in our country. But most of them are traditional, less interesting, ineffective as well as less motivating. So, it is necessary to use modern approaches and tools of ICT (Information and Communication Technology) to develop better understanding and acquisition of basic skills i.e. LSRW (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing) of English language among the students at school level. ICT has a lot of things to offer to both teachers and students for the enhancement of their vocabulary and improvement of English language skills. Now a day’s ICT tools and approaches are being used widely due to their convenience, omnipresence, effectiveness and being economic. Some of these approaches, facilities and tools are CAI ( Computer Assisted Learning), CALA (Computer Assisted Language Assessment), CALI ( Computer Assisted Language Instruction), CALL (Computer Assisted Language Learning), MALL (Mobile Assisted Language Learning) , TELL (Technology Enhanced Language Learning), Blogs, Wiki, e-mail facility, Digital libraries, multimedia, mobile learning, free and open source software and social media, MOOCs, Virtual classrooms, documentaries, Digital storytelling, Mobile Applications, i-Pads, Digital Notebooks, Tablets, Smart Phones, Recorded audio-video materials, Online spoken tutorials, Digital pronunciation dictionaries etc. Modern studies and researches show positive results of integration of ICT in the field of ELT and the development of English language skills. These facilities have paved the way of individualized learning and provided freedom of learning anytime, anywhere according to the needs and convenience of the learners. So, we should take proper step to integrate ICT in the field of ELT to make the learners well versed in English language skills.
ICT tools classification
ICT tools have been reported to yield positive results in ELT classrooms. in fact, judicious use of ICT tools to teach English boosts learning in terms of attitudes, autonomy, and authenticity. In this section, we will list several ICT tools, classified according to their functions. To this effect, we will use Erben et al., (2009) classification which focuses on the functions of the different ICT tools.
E-creation tools
ICT tools classification
ICT tools have been reported to yield positive results in ELT classrooms. in fact, judicious use of ICT tools to teach English boosts learning in terms of attitudes, autonomy, and authenticity. In this section, we will list several ICT tools, classified according to their functions. To this effect, we will use Erben et al., (2009) classification which focuses on the functions of the different ICT tools.
E-creation tools
E-communication tools
Software that promotes communication among students and teachers may be divided into two kinds of tools. First, there are those types of software that allow for in real time interaction (i.e. synchronous) such as telephone conversations, a board meeting, voice conferencing, and instant messaging. The second type of software includes those that occur with a time delay (i.e. asynchronous) such as email, text messages transmitted over cell phones, and discussion boards.
Reading/ writing-facilitative e-tools
Some ICT tools can facilitate and boost teaching and learning of writing and reading skills. Examples of these tools include online boards, online journals, blogs, wikis, and e-books.
Blogs, wikis, boards, and journals can be used to create digital material or portfolios online are spaces where learners work in collaborative projects. They can also be used for professional development or to summarize learners’ work. Examples of these tools are blogger, Wikispaces, and Penzu. They can be accessed by following this link:
Similarly, E-books have many functionalities. Learners can use them to develop their reading skill. For instance, e-books have added audio, interactive tasks, and built-in dictionaries. Another advantage of this tool is that learners can access e-books on several devices such as tablets, mobile phones, and laptops.
Listening/speaking-facilitative e-tools
The listening skill can be developed through ICT tools such as:
- Video and audio files;
- Podcasts (syndicated audio files) and vodcasts (syndicated video files);
- Audio Video sharing libraries like YouTube.
Virtual learning environments
Virtual Learning Environments (VLE) are Web-based platforms that allow teachers and learners to manage and organize their work electronically. Some of the benefits of these online spaces are as follows:
- Both parents and learners can access these spaces to assess progress.
- All participants may have their say on the discussion forums or conferencing sections
- VLEs reduce the social distance between all participants.
Conclusion
From the above discussions it is clear that ICT tools have changed the paradigm of English language teaching learning process. So it is essential for a teacher to be familiar with modern ICT tools and use it properly to achieve the aims of English language teaching.
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