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. Integrating Technology as an Effective Tool in Language Education By: Xing King Master of Arts in Educational Technology (Online) Professor Margaret Riel July 2005 Abstract
With computer technologies being increasingly used in my classroom I have been concerned about whether or not the use of the technology in my classes results in students learning language with deep understanding. How does technology as an effective tool support student learning language with deep understanding in a community of practice? To answer this question, I have conducted an action research in my own classroom practice. What I have learned from the literature review, a series of research activities, and data analysis can be summarized as: (a) effective learning requires a deep understanding; (b) the role of the learning community is a critical part of learning process as Wenger's idea of Community of Practice shows how members of a learning community both support and challenge each other, leading to effective and relevant knowledge construction (Wenger, 1991); and (c) technology is used to enhance the learning experience through information dissemination, communication, collaboration, and knowledge construction. The outcome of the resulting action research is that technology supports a shift toward more student-centered classroom with students engaged in more challenging work, taking more responsibility for their own learning, and engaging in collaboration with their peers. Technology use in the classroom can enhance learning when it is used as part of a coherent education approach. It must be used in tandem with what we know about how people learn (Bransford, 2000). |