LANGUAGE IN INDIA

Strength for Today and Bright Hope for Tomorrow

Volume 11 : 9 September 2011
ISSN 1930-2940

Managing Editor: M. S. Thirumalai, Ph.D.
Editors: B. Mallikarjun, Ph.D.
         Sam Mohanlal, Ph.D.
         B. A. Sharada, Ph.D.
         A. R. Fatihi, Ph.D.
         Lakhan Gusain, Ph.D.
         Jennifer Marie Bayer, Ph.D.
         S. M. Ravichandran, Ph.D.
         G. Baskaran, Ph.D.
         L. Ramamoorthy, Ph.D.

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Role of Virtual Technology in Teaching English

V. Rajesh M.A., M.Phil., Ph.D. Candidate
J. Jaya Parveen M.A., M.Phil., Ph.D. Candidate

Abstract

Virtual classrooms facilitate the delivery of knowledge and skill development through Internet in a cost-effective and efficient manner. With a descriptive research design, an evaluative study was conducted in SKP Institute of Technology, Tiruvannamalai, where both the authors worked before they moved to the present college. 200 students and 20 teachers were involved in the study. Prior training on how to use virtual classrooms was given to the students and teachers. During the study, different ESL tasks were used to develop the reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills of the students. At the end of the course, teachers and students filled in a few questionnaires.

The quantitative findings showed the students and teachers’ understanding of virtual classroom tools and features. They also revealed the students’ understanding of use and relevance of ESL tasks in virtual classroom. In addition, they showed the teachers’ views on the role of virtual technology in ESL classroom management. This was done as a part of formative evaluation to improve the ongoing process of using virtual technology in ESL classrooms or language labs.

1. Introduction

Virtual technology has become popular because of its easy access and affordable cost. Its effective usage has led to significant changes in educational models. The traditional classroom has shifted to virtual classroom creating the most radical transformation in higher education. Using virtual technology has become as easy as communicating with a teacher and students through chat or email, students utilizing an interactive CD-ROM for learning, etc. (Salmon, 2004).

Language learning theories and instructional design models are combined to form virtual course content. Traditional lectures and grammar lessons are replaced by PowerPoint Presentations, Flash animations, Java games, etc. Group chat, email, blogs, forums, podcasts, etc. are initiated to enhance language learning. Teachers are more like facilitators, and students are encouraged to do self-directed learning (Thompson, Simonsen, & Hargrave, 1996). Crossing all the boundaries like nationality, race, religion, caste, age, etc., virtual education promotes language learning in a full-fledged manner. The 21st century witnesses the wide-spread use of virtual technology or virtualization technology in Teaching English as Second Language.

This is only the beginning part of the article. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE IN PRINTER-FRIENDLY VERSION.

V. Rajesh M.A., M.Phil., Ph.D. Candidate
Assistant Professor
Department of English
VV College of Engineering
Tisaiyanvilai 628 656
Tuticorin District
Tamilnadu, India
rajeshv.ph.d@gmail.com

J. Jaya Parveen M.A., M.Phil., Ph.D. Candidate
Assistant Professor
Department of English
VV College of Engineering
Tisaiyanvilai 628 656
Tuticorin District
Tamilnadu, India
jayaparveen@gmail.com
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