Web 2.0 Tools in Language Teaching
Are there more advantages than disadvantages when getting to use Web 2.0 tools in a language class? Understanding the most of our students in today’s classrooms belong to the Generation Y, -the digital learners-, the usage of free Internet tools is a way to create learner autonomy. The use of these kinds of tools can become an engaging and meaningful way –for students- to contribute with their personal language learning.
But are there disadvantages when Web 2.0 tools become part of the language class staging? I tend to believe that there are no real disadvantages if there is a “real” purpose in using a given tool as part of one’s language course. If part of the learning objectives present in the course outline given to students at the beginning of a college term are translated into Web 2.0 products that can reflect them, we can feel satisfied that they were achieved, and students got the hang of using a “new” tool that can be highly beneficial to them, eventually, when they become professionals.
However, when using Web 2.0 tools as part of one’s course content production, accessibility to the Web is a crucial thing to consider. Intending to use a given tool in a language class course –knowing that students will have limited access to it- is a fruitless effort since many of a student will not fulfilled the expected task. In this particular case, going to the old days when books and paper-made activities were the only thing to use can be much better to accomplish the learning goals students are to learn in one’s class.
Do you think the time you need to invest in using some of these tools is worth it? Before a teacher ventures in using a new Web 2.0 tool in a language class is important that he/she knows how to use it properly. The reason for this is that the teacher becomes the students’ trainer and needs to exemplify what he/she wants students to produce, having a clear rationale of learning purposes underlying the task. Once this introduction to the “tool” is given to students, being them digital natives, it can be very easy for them to discover other things that can be done with the given tool. If this explanation is provided with the proper exemplification, the time invested is worth it!
Jonathan Acuña
Universidad Latina
Costa Rica
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