Effects Of Ict In Learning Languages

The effects of ICT on learning/teaching in a foreign language
Samira Houcine
Djilali Liabes University of Sidi Bel Abbes (Algeria)
samhouc.univ@gmail.com

Abstract
The world of education in general and that of languages in particular is in constant evolution in order to
face up to the upheavals provoked by the era of globalization both at the individual and professional
levels. Educationhas to adapt and renew itself to be compatible with the globalized society. The
introduction and use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) are one of the priorities of
the education community in the current digital society.
Indeed, to meet the requirements and the challenges of the globalized world, developing digital
practices in the language class has become a necessity.Learning a foreign language and in a foreign
language is meant to train citizens of the world open to languages and cultures but not only... To that
end, the introduction of ICT in language teaching seems to have become a prerequisite to the
modernization of the education system and learning methods.
In this paper, we will first consider the positive effects of ICTs on teaching languages. The secondpart
will be devoted to the presentation of a “language training centre” in an Algerian university where ICTs
are an integral part of the teaching practices; this will enable us to assess the impact of new
technologies on learning/teaching in a foreign language.

1. Introduction
Even though the introduction of computers and the Internet in Foreign Language Teaching has been a
controversialissue, it is nowadays largely agreed that it impacts positively on the learning process.
The way in which Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) was used has witnessed
various changes through years in order to answer more specifically language learners’ needs.
Computer-assisted language learning (CALL) offers a wide range of ICT applications that notably
increase learners’motivation, but not exclusively. Moreover, the effective use of the Internet and the
Hypermedia brings valuable resources to both teachers and learners.

2. Main advantages of ICT in foreign language teaching/learning
There is no more doubt that the use of ICT has positive effects on foreign language teaching/learning
and a large literature is available on the topic; however, its impact is highlydependent on the way it is
used, the teachers’ motivation and his “savoir-faire”. Indeed, technologic equipment and connectivity
without human implication is not sufficient to improve teaching and learning; to be considered as an
efficient tool, ICT requires an actual engagement of the teacher and a well-defined pedagogic project.
The following impacts seem to be the most obvious ones when usingICT to support foreign language
teaching:
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The possibility to adapt easily the teaching materials according to circumstances, learner’s
needs and response;

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ICT allows to react upon and enables the use of recent/daily news, it offers access to
authentic materials on the web;
A quick feedback is made possible;
Possibility to combine/use alternately (basic) skills (textand images, audio and video clip...);
Lectures become more interesting and less ordinary which boosts learners’ engagement;
ICT enables to focus on one specific aspect of the lesson (pronunciation, vocabulary...).

In spite of contrasts that may exist in terms of educational environment, there is significant evidence of
the benefits and advantages that the use of ICT can have on learners. Theeffective use of ICT
impacts on learners and various aspects of the learning process as follows:
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ICT increases learners’ motivation and thus enhances personal commitment and engagement;
ICT improves independent learning;
Learners’ collaboration and communication are more important;
Learners’ attainment and outcomes are improved.

As mentioned previously, the effects of ICT...