The Impact of the Internet on language learning and language teaching

Dániel Nagy

The Impact of the Internet on language learning and language teaching

The internet has a huge influence on language learning and teaching. In the last few decades, the use of the internet has rapidly grown; it has become a part of classroom activities; teachers and students have access to internet during class. Moreover, teachers have to integrate new techniques and methods in teaching and they have to acquire new skills to be able to organize effective seminars and lessons. The internet has totally revolutionized language learning and language teaching; the use of internet should be compulsory in every language class.

The internet allows students to have access to diverse information in language learning and to websites that help the process of learning (Pandit, 2013). First of all, The number of ways of learning a foreign language is endless, there are many tutorial videos on the internet that show many techniques on learning methods; what is more, students can download audio files, watch video clips and myriad of tasks is available for them. Secondly, revising at home is extremely important; the internet makes it possible for every student to learn quickly and easily at home (Pandit, 2013). Finally, different textbooks and journals are available for students. They can download various types of language books for free; therefore, students do not have to pay a high amount of money to purchase books.

Visual data and audiovisual material on the internet have greater effects on memorizing and learning than simple, plain texts (Pandit, 2013). Firstly, animations, pictures, slides and multimedia content can help students memorize facts and data more easily. Furthermore, students can gain in-depth knowledge in various fields and disciplines, because visual data and videos contain essential and very important pieces of information for the students. Secondly, computer or internet based exercises are more enjoyable for the students than working in textbooks (Reeves, 1998). In addition, with computer based activities and visual tasks, cognitive and creative thinking can be developed. There are several online games and practice applications that help students learn more effectively and develop cognitive and creative thinking. Finally, students who associate information with pictures or any visual content can recall learnt knowledge more easily than those students who learn from plain texts (Reeves, 1998).

 Communication is one of the biggest advantages of the internet (Pandit, 2013). It allows teachers to reach students very quickly. Moreover, teachers often upload course material, homework and many tasks on the internet or social media sites. Plus, the internet helps students cooperate online on social media sites, where they chat in various groups to discuss school projects and they can ask questions from the instructor as well. In addition, teachers can reach out and send messages to parents. Finally, students can communicate with people from all around the world. They can chat with native speakers on several sites; therefore, communication skills can be developed more easily.

Another way in which the internet has had a beneficial impact on language learning is that the internet also motivates learners to use foreign languages in their daily lives and it provides functional communicative experience (LeLoup & Ponterio, 1997). Not to mention the fact that communication with native speakers and using a foreign language allow learners to acquire skills such as requesting information, clarifying meaning or negotiating. Additionally, social media sites are extremely diverse. Students from different social and cultural background often form discussion groups and organize cultural events. Finally, communicative experience makes the process of learning a foreign language easy. Students can develop communication and listening skills as well.

Besides acquiring new skills, the internet gives an opportunity to people from different backgrounds and age groups to study and improve language skills (Pandit, 2013). As a matter of fact, housewives, students, businessmen or professionals can go on the internet and take up virtual and distant classes. Therefore, learners can work at their own pace and they can decide how fast they want to proceed. Second of all, people from different age group can enroll in various to online courses. The internet provides a much more convenient way of learning for the young or the older generation. Finally, most of the universities in the world offer distant courses that are perfect for working or busy people.

Every part of the education system is now simplified because of the Internet; what is more, language learning and teaching are more effective (Pandit, 2013). The internet provides a huge amount of information for people. The amount of language material is endless, there is less need for an instructor, because every rule is explained and there are several competitive exercises, for example quizzes, free exams, grammar check exercises, students can download. Moreover, students can watch movies and television series online, which help them develop listening and reading skills if they use subtitling. Finally, teachers can check the results online, they can keep a record and see how learners improve.

In conclusion, the internet has changed and revolutionized the entire system of language learning and language teaching. Many doors have been opened; the process of teaching and learning is simplified. Language materials and books are now available online, students can learn languages alone. In addition, media content has become widely used in classrooms, which helps students memorize rules, facts, expressions and words. The internet is not only beneficial for the students, but the teachers as well. The huge impact of the internet on language learning and language teaching is unquestionable. The use of internet would definitely help students if they use this tool well, it should be a compulsory element in language classes.

References

LeLoup, J., & Ponterio, R. (1997). Internet technologies for authentic language learning experiences. Washington, DC.

Pandit, M. (2013, July 16). Use of the Internet in Education. USA.

Reeves, T. C. (1998. February 12). The Impact of Media and Technology in Schools. University of Georgia.