Video transcriptWhat would you say if I told you that I thought integrating ICT into the classroom is more often than not a BAD idea? Interested to know why? Keep watching.
I’m Jo Gakonga, I’ve been teaching for 35 years, and training teachers on CELTA and MA TESOL programmes for 25 of those. I’ve also got a website at ELT-Training.com where I make video based material for teachers at all stages of their careers. Check it out and don’t forget to like and subscribe if you want to see more – I make a new video every week.
I think often teachers reach for- or are encouraged to reach for- ICT in the classroom BECAUSE IT’S THERE. But here are some of the issues I often see with the use of new technology:
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Time is wasted while the teacher gives instructions on how to use the technology...
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Time is wasted while everyone tries to log into whatever app is being used and inevitably some people can’t get in…
- And then even more time is wasted in checking everyone knows what they have to do...
And... the same result could probably be achieved with some paper resources or just organising competitions.
This isn’t true in all situations and when things become more automatic, of course, there can be benefits. But for me, the most precious resource in the classroom is the teacher’s time and expertise and where technology has a HUGE and IMPORTANT role to play is OUTSIDE the classroom.
Now, that's a completely different story. You can use technology to give your learners Grammar practice, vocabulary building, practice in listening, reading, even writing and speaking with AI or online speaking partners. So, THAT’s where the best use of technology lies in my humble opinion. What do you think? What’s the most useful technology you use for your learners and why?
