THE IMPORTANCE OF TECHNOLOGY IN LANGUAGE LEARNING

Abstract. In the process of language learning, we can estimate technology as the profitable way. This paper focuses on that technology has good effect and wide opportunities. It can motivate students to utilize technology in language learning process.

Keywords: Cooperation, technology, technology integration.

Language is one of the considerable elements that has an important influence on international communication activities. There are a lot of ways and tools for learning languages. Students use different parts of English language skills such as listening, speaking, reading and writing for improvement of their language proficiency. In other words, integrated skills are the most efficient way in this process. They help language learner to develop universally. These skills have been providing language learning and improving in the recent years.

I would like to stress that technology also has some kind of good effect in language learning. Just as technology plays a major key role in business relations, entertainment, music, movies, and almost every aspect of our everyday lives, it plays an equally significant role in education. Technology makes ease learning process. It provides learner with limitless opportunities. There are many forms of technology. The most used ones are computers and instruments. Learners’ cooperation can be increased through the use of technology. Cooperation is one of the important tools for learning strategy. Using computer-based language activities improve cooperative learning in learners. Learners cooperatively work together to create tasks and learn from each other through reading their peers’ work (Keser, Huseyin, & Ozdamli, 2011).

Furthermore, Internet materials motivate learners to learn more. Learners can learn meaningfully when technology is used in the process of learning through using computer and internet. Tomlinson (2009) emphasized that computer-based activities provide learners rapid information and appropriate materials.  When learners learn with technology, it assists them in developing their higher order thinking skills. It can be concluded that the true combination of multimedia and learning methodology is very important to attract learners’ attention towards English language learning.

As for me, modern technology is a source of knowledge and ideas. One kind of technology is Internet. Internet promotes a great deal of information. You get new, existing, and historical information from online magazines, journals, publications. There are multiples disciplines and courses you can take online. Moreover, internet improves social skills. Social media plays a huge role in the education sector. In addition to improving people’s communication skills, it tends to foster togetherness, group work, and team-ship, some of the most adorable qualities in education. Nonetheless, the internet also doesn’t come with unappearing traits when it comes to education.

There will be laziness and neglectfulness in students. Also, it will make lack of idea and creativity and diminish imagination.

Despite internet saves our time and help to find what we need rapidly. When I am in difficult situation to know something complicated, I take my mobile phone and search what I am in trouble with. Then internet can find anything I need for my study.

As well as I use technology in order to keep in touch with my key-pals. I have many English spoken friends in social networks. We can teach and learn from each other while chatting. So, technology and internet are significant tools in my life.

According to Gilanki (2017), technology assists learners in adjusting their own learning process and they can have access to a lot of information that their teachers are not able to provide. It’s true, we search for some extra information besides our teachers give us in order to show our best in learning and it will be very useful for us. Dockstader (2008) defined technology integration as the use of technology to improve the educational environment. It supports the classroom teaching through creating opportunities for learners to complete assignments on the computer rather than the normal pencil and paper.

Also, as in every sphere, technology is useful in classroom activities. It can let the students learn more and more and can broaden their outlook. Moreover taking advantage of technology, it will save our time.

Dawson, Cavanaugh, and Ritzhaupt (2008) and Pourhosein Gilakjani (2014) maintained that using technology can create a learning atmosphere centered around the learner rather than the teacher that in turn creates positive changes. They emphasized that by using computer technology, language class becomes an active place full of meaningful tasks where the learners are responsible for their learning.

As mentioned above, internet is a source of creative ideas. So the study process can be creative and successful.

Through the technology we can learn language from online courses, another place may have some difficulties, and the distance learning helps them. This is another usage of technology, but it has perceptible influence in language learning.

To sum up, process of learning language should make interest in learner and be easy to catch up. This was one very useful way for language learners to encourage them learn more and more. It’s just one tool in language learning, but very effective and profitable way. You can get very fruitful result learning language through the technology.