DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES FOR ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING

Digital technologies are electronic tools, systems, devices and resources that generate, store or process data. These includes social media, online games and applications, multimedia, productivity applications, cloud computing, inter operable systems and mobile devices.

Digital learning is any type of learning that is facilitated by technology or by instructional practice that makes effective use of technology. Digital learning occurs across all learning areas and domains.
It encompasses the application of a wide spectrum of practices including:

• - blended and virtual learning
• - game-based learning
• - accessing digital content
• - collaborating locally and globally
• - assessment and reporting online
• - active participation in online communities
• - using technology to connect, collaborate, curate and create.

Technology has become an important role and can be a great asset for the teachers in ESL classrooms. There are ten ways to use technology in ESL instruction based on BusyTeacher.org that the teachers can use to support them in language teaching process.

1. Film and Video: Using short and feature-length videos is an engaging way to work on skills like vocabulary and comprehension. Videos help to expose students to the use of natural English. Young children really enjoy short cartoons and animated movies, and older students can learn about current events through news broadcasts.

2. Apps: Apps on iPads and tablets are great ways for students to practice English and have fun while doing learning language. For example, for practicing grammar rules, apps like Grammar Up allow students to test their knowledge on specific topics (verbs, prepositions, etc.).

3. Digital Field Trips

4. Podcasts: Podcasts is a form of digital media that consists of an episodic series of audio, video, digital radio, PDF, or ePubs files subscribed to and downloaded automatically through web syndication or streamed online to a computer or mobile device.

5. Pen Pals: Pen Pals mean people who regularly write to each other, particularly via postal mail. This is a great way for them to practice their English writing and reading comprehension skills.

6. Web Quests: Students are given a task and rely on their content knowledge and grasp of English language to complete it. Teachers can create their own or visit Web Quests to access tutorials and databases of pre-created web quests.

7. Online Games: Students can master spelling, grammar and other English skills by playing games on the computer or mobile devices.

8. Blogging: Class blogs provide great forums for students to practice their writing skillssuch as Live Journal, Edublog and Blogger, allow you to create blogs for free. The more they practice their writing skills, the more proficient they become.

9. Skype: Skype is a great way for students to practice their speaking and listening skills with other people from any location.

10. Other Resources