I have just started to reflect on the classroom applications of some technologies such as blogs, websites, etc. The more I think and I read about it, the more I believe that computers make a happy marriage with an ESL classroom setting.
Some weeks ago in my Computer Application course we discussed the application of forums in an ESL class. I agree with almost everything written in Mark’s text. It is clear that the organization of topics makes it quick for students to find needed information even when they are doing their homework alone at home. I am sure that forums would have been very useful for me when I was in high school since I tend to be the kind of “lost” an uninformed student.
Furthermore, it seems rather easy for the teacher to control what is being said on the forum. I also think that one of the advantages of forums is that the teacher can be closer to the students by being more informed about what they really think.
I also think that it is a good way to get the students more involved in their ESL class when they are outside the class. I may be wrong but I think it could improve the cohesiveness of a whole class. Also, I am sure that it can catch the interest of some students who will be more motivated in the course.
Since I am not a genius in computer matters, I am very happy to learn that it is easy to have a forum running in a short time. I am very interested in tying this out with my students in the future.
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