Role of ICT in English Language Teaching and Learning

                    Introduction


"With the help of technology, teachers will be leaders in the transformation of education around the world. "
                                 -Craig. R. Barrett

ICT is an electronic means of capturing ,processing ,storing, communicating information. The use of ICT in the classroom teaching- learning is very important for it provides opportunities for teachers and students to operate ,store, manipulate, and retrieve information, encourage independent and active learning, and self responsibility for learning. ICT is being used in a number of fields like health, entertainment, games and sports, transportation, education, Industries, fashion designing, Textiles, agriculture etc. With a single click we get exchange aa lot of information due to the use of ICT. The field of education is not untouched by the ICT. ICT enables self- paced learning through various tools such as assignment, computer etc. as a result of this the teaching learning enterprise has become more productive and meaningful. 
               With the help of ICT a lot of person can get education and training simultaneously at low cost. ICT has made exchange of thoughts, ideas, experiences and feelings easier. Now ICT is being used in all aspects of education. Use of computers, internet, television, radio, projectors and mobile phones, e-mail facilities, online audio and video conferencing. So, we can say that  ICT is playing the most important and pivotal role in teaching learning process. Hence it is also playing an important role in the learning of language, especially English Language learning.

             Importance of Language


Language is the mirror of human life which planets the life of human. Language speaks man's personality. English and ICT have become essential tools for number of emotions of everyday life. English is one of the most important languages which have played role in the process of globalisation and knowledge explosion. It is also termed as Link Language, Global Language as well as Lingua Franca. In Indian context it is treated as ESL (English as a second language). English has become a medium for business and interactional purpose is among other functions.  English is playing a major role in every field such as medicine, engineering, education, art and law, music, etc. As the world is changing, there must be changes in language learning. In every aspect of human life, Science, Information and Technology are playing a vital role. To teach English and develop English language skills various 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 that is LSRW (Listening, Speaking, Reading ,Writing). Technology has become a tool for making the learners innovative and also become a source of motivating the learners towards learning.

          ICT tools and applications


Some of the the important ICT tools and applications used in the field of English language teaching are following-

   1. Computers
This is the most important tool for information and communication technology and backbone of modern human life. The computer provides students with the information that need to perform a particular task. It is helpful in storing, preparing and collecting information for communication. It is helpful in English language speaking and listening skills. 
   2. Radio
Radio is the oldest tool and provides entertainment to masses to a great extent in recent past. It seeks to build up the listeners attitude favourable towards the new information useful to them. It is also useful in audio conferencing. Today our Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also connected with the people through his program Mann Ki Baat by radio. 
   3. Television
It is useful in education as well as entertainment of the people. Being for communication with audiences low literacy skills, an audio-visual medium TV has been more advantageous than other medium. It is very helpful in understanding the language of mass media. 
   4. Over-head projectors
It is an important tool for displaying information and processes to a large number of people simultaneously. It can be used in teaching and training of personnel. Prepared forms of information are easy to display with the help of the overhead projector. 
  5. Mobiles and Telephones
 Telephones and mobiles is also one of the strong way of communication. It is the simplest and easy way of communication. 
  6. The Internet
The internet offers the best way to learn language other than immersion in an English speaking milieu. The students relationship with website is more noticeable than with print based text. Digital technology is rapidly used by pupils and teachers not only in the classrooms but also in personal life. 
  7. E- books
An e-book is an electronic version of a traditional print book that can be read by writing a personal or by using an ebook reader like iPods and Kindle. E-book strengthen students note making skills, the knowledge of English grammar and application skill. 

      Advantages of ICT in English                    Language Teaching


The use of ICT has positive effects on English language learning. 
1. ICT provides the access to wider source of Information and varieties of language. 
2. ICT facilitates exposure to authenticate language. 
3. ICT gives the opportunity to people to communicate with the world outside. 
4. Students can learn independently. 
5. With ICT pictorial description is avoidable. 
6. We can get the required information within a fraction of seconds. 

        Disadvantages of ICT in English                 Language Teaching


1. Online learning cannot of a human interaction. 
2. Students get short span of attention because of the ICT in language learning. 
3. Intense requirement for self discipline and self direction. 
4. The students may involve in cyber crime. 
5. The use of ICT tools needs technically trained teachers that lacks and create problems in the Teaching Learning process. 

                    Conclusion


In the limelight of the above discussion, the scenario of ICT tools have changed the English language learning -teaching process. ICT's are intrinsic tools in many educational institutions. It provide quality learning materials and creating autonomy of learning. Learners can share their work which can promote cultural diversity, have positive motivational effects and raise self esteem. 


      

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