As everybody knows, nowadays if you don´t have a computer, you´re lost. We have seen trough these last years the increasing number of people having and using a computer since many things are done by using it, and obviously, with that great tool of the internet. That´s the case of students; homeworks are no more investigated through searching in books in a library, newspaper, magazines or other means because they just go directly to Google and magically everything they need is there. No matter which level the student is coursing, from kindergarten to college, everybody needs internet and a computer to any work they are requires to do. Now, there are even virtual classrooms in which people can study a master without actually attending classes in a university. In addition, people who is learning another language such as English, in the internet they can find awesome websites and tools that help practicing and improve speaking and writing skills outside the classroom.
In my personal case, I don´t like too much things related to technology and all that stuff, but I´ve realized that I have to know something about it anyways. At least, I have the basic knowledge on how to handle a computer and use the internet. I must admit it, internet makes life easier and it has helped a lot on my acquisition of the English language. Another important aspect to mention is that the internet shortens long distances because we can keep contact with friends and relatives that live far away from us, and we can even meets other people from other coutries. Technology can be an invaluable tool if it is used appropriately; for example, when children are surfing the net, they must be supervised by adults because it can be dangerous for they can even be abused, or they could watch content that is not appropriate for their age.
Regarding with my internet skills, I can say I know how to use the browser and some websites to look for information. I know how to use and create a Hotmail account in which you receive e-mails from friends and family keeping you always in touch and informed; there´s another way to create an account to receive e-mails, that´s G-mail, and in my opinion, that one is more suitable and helpful to work since it offers the option of sharing documents and all that stuff. I know how to use Facebook and how it works ( I guess everybody knows). Such site helps you to know about your friends´ life and to be in contact with them; you can also use it to express yourself. Currenlty, I´m taking the Instructional Technology subject in which I´m learning and knowing about websites that I didn´t even have the idea that they existed and which provide extremely useful and innovating tools to teach and practice the English language. Such websites give the opportunity to change the traditional way to have our students of English practicing the language so that we avoid to get them bored.
I´ve learned also about some websites in which you can record your voice or videotape yoursel and discuss with other people the topic you want, and in that way improving your speaking skill; it also allows you to hear and get used to different people´s English accents around the world.
As I mentioned before, having a computer and internet can help a lot when teaching English to our students, but we have to take into consideration certain factors such as if the student has the basic knowledge on to use a computer, if the student has access to internet and the resources to work with it, otherwise we may frustrate our him/her, and as a result, he/she may give up on learning.
Everybody must be concious of the benefitis that using a computer and internet bring; it is an unavoidable situation in our changing world.
