Introduction

This report will focus on the use of three of the more recent technologies that have been introduced to the classroom.

Some of the technologies discussed in this report have been around awhile, but they are included here because they either have not yet been extensively utilized in the classroom, or their effectiveness is still being studied and evaluated.

It should also be noted that this report is not a complete literature review regarding either the use or effectiveness of the technologies mentioned, nor is it a complete list of new technologies.

Technologies Included

The technology list below includes both hardware and software. Where software is discussed, it assumes the availability of the hardware to run it, e.g. a computer. The technologies discussed in this paper include:

• PowerPoint;
• Digital projectors; and
• Podcasts.

PowerPoint

PowerPoint is a Microsoft presentation software program that can be used (and reused) for a variety of classroom activities, such as:

• Presentations;
• Practice and drills;
• Review;
• Games; and
• Tests.

In addition to the above uses of PowerPoint, Miriam Schcolnik and Sara Kol of Tel Aviv University use it as a tool for oral reporting and writing. They said that:
First, students read source materials. Then, they articulate and crystallize their ideas through interaction with their peers and teacher. Finally, they write them on computer slides and share their writing with others. From our observations we learned that students derive great satisfaction from this task and take pride in their creations. With the promise of having something attractive for themselves and to show others, students are motivated to invest time and energy into the quality of their English tasks.
Schcolnik and Kol (1999) reported that a large majority felt that using PowerPoint helped them organize the information and focus on the main points, and they pointed out that these are skills which are very important when reading and presenting in a foreign language.
Digital Projectors

Digital projectors, once too costly for the average teacher to consider purchasing, now can be purchased for under $1,000 (roughly the cost of a computer).

Used as presentation equipment, primarily to transfer information from a computer onto a screen or wall, digital projectors are slowly replacing overhead projectors as presentation equipment. The advantage of a digital projector over an overhead projector is that anything that is on one’s computer can be immediately projected, without the extra step of having to make physical copies or transparencies for projection. In addition, the digital projector (together with a computer) can be used by other medium, e.g. CD’s, DVD’s, PowerPoint (mentioned above), and writing tablets.

Several criteria need to be considered in selecting a digital projector. Some of those criteria are summarized below:

Weight

Brightness

Resolution

Note: For the best image, the resolution of the presenting laptop should match the resolution of the connected projector.
Podcasts

Podcasts are digital recordings that are published on the internet as MP3 files and can be downloaded onto a computer or other MP3 player. Many are only 2-3 minutes long, but they can last up to an hour. The content is free from the internet.

Care should be taken by the teacher that podcasts are chosen whose material the student can relate to as well as being able to transfer the learned information to other school or real life situations. For example, students can listen to a news broadcast with topics that can later be used in a real life conversation.

Podcasts can supply fresh ideas and motivation, as well as exposing the students to new voices and relevant content. Ultimately, this should help students gain confidence in hearing and understanding what is spoken in their new language.

Franklin Salveson