Integration of Technology in the ESL Classroom: Perspectives and Challenges

Abstract

This paper is based on the wisdom of ancient Chinese philosophers on the aspect of teaching and learning who have proverbially remarked “Tell me and I forget. Show me, and I remember. Involve me, and I understand”. This paper applies the inferences from the aforesaid proverbial thought to analyze and develop teaching methodology to encourage students in active learning practices in the ESL (English as a Second Language) classroom. Complete involvement in the learning activity is a must, and since there is no single set of abilities running through human nature, likewise there cannot be a single method which should be taken for teaching always. Rather, schools and the universities should acclimatize teaching methods that encourage everyone to learn. Focus is given to the integration of technology in the ESL classrooms in universities. A common problem faced by ESL practitioners and students in Sri Lanka is traditional classroom set up and lack of resources (human as well as material) to cater to a large number of students in a class. Accordingly, this paper focuses on the integration of technology in the ESL classroom where students’ involvement would be higher, and they would be motivated to become independent learners. It is concluded that technology provides an opportunity to the learner to become autonomous and master the language with enthusiasm.