More often than not,
educators have been looking for independence and flexibility, two key elements
for language learning and language teaching experiences. Thanks to the upcoming
of Internet, this wish for autonomy has finally become possible. Nevertheless,
as Paula Ledesma (2010) states, "the
first implementations of the World Wide Web were rather passive websites where
users could have access to valuable information through a system of hypertext
links".
Fortunately, little
by little, that passive learning environment started to evolve into a more
dynamic one and teachers could apply some Internet applications to their
teaching practice by resorting to some Web 2.0 tools. These tools allow the
creation of multimedia material which can be used in combination with social
networks, blogs or wikis (Ledesma, 2012).
Web 2.0 sites allow
users to have a more active participation as opposed to the Web 1.0 where users
were limited to the passive viewing of content; therefore, web 2.0 sites allow
users to do more than just retrieve information. As Peachey (2009) points out,
web 2.0 enable many characteristics, such as:
- Socialisation: Through socialisation our students can use the language and skills they are learning to build networks and develop relationships with real people.
- Collaboration: They can work together with others to construct and share real knowledge.
- Creativity: They can create genuine products, in a wide range and combination of media to high standards, that will have a real audience.
- Authenticity: The tasks and activities they do and the people they communicate with to do them are real and motivating.
- Sharing: They can share what they create and learn from each other.
Taking all these
points into consideration, the purpose of this blog is aimed at acquainting
teachers and students with Web 2.0 tools which are social in nature, inviting
people to share what they find, what they do and learn in a wide variety of
contexts (Dudeney & Hockly, 2007, p. 150). Even though this approach to the
teaching of language might make you fell out of your element, this blog will
offer you simple and easy web-based tools along with tutorial and possible
activities to apply.
Bibliography
- Dudeney, G & Hockly,N. (2007). How to Teach English with Technology. Pearson Longman.
- Ledesma, P. (2012). Creative Applications of Web 2.0 Tools in ELT. Retrieved in November 2014 from http://es.scribd.com/doc/
100215769/Paula-Ledesma-Web-2- 0-Tools-in-ELT - Ledesma, P. (2010). WWW.Teach:Employing Web 2.0 Techniques for Fostering Students' Creative Use of the Language in ESL and EFL Classrooms. In Swain, T. (Ed) Smart Teaching: A Transformational Approach. Open Page India
- Peachey, N. (2009). Web 2.0 Tools for Teachers. Retrieved in November 2014 from: https://es.scribd.com/doc/
19576895/Web-2-0-Tools-for- Teachers
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