An+educational+problem+that+can+be+solved+by+technology+-+podcast

**[|module 2 podcast.mp3] ** The Canadian Education Association (2004) reports Canada’s literacy rate ranks high when compared to other industrialized countries. However, there seems to be areas within the Canadian provinces that have lower literacy rates (Canadian Education Association). Lower literacy rates tend to be found among people that identify their first language to be something other than English or French (Canadian Education Association). This is significant because the 2001 Census, found one in five Canadian’s identify their first language to be other than English or French. It is essential to have these members of society literate in the official language because it can lead to “jobs, educational opportunities, government services and, ultimately, power” (Canadian Education Association).
 * Technology Can Improve Learning English as a Second Language **

Learning English as a second language can provoke shyness, hesitation and nervousness among learners (Upadhyay & Upadhyay). Mobile learning can be an effective way of overcoming these fears because it does not involve face-to-face interaction (Upadhyay & Upadhyay). Students can learn on their own time and at their own pace through the use of mobile learning devices such as cell phones, smart phones and hand-held personal devices (Upadhyay & Upadhyay).

Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) has been proven to be more successful than traditional language teaching methods (BAŞ & Kuzucu, 2009). CALL results in higher achievement levels and more positive attitudes toward learning English (BAŞ & Kuzucu; Tohidian, 2007). Students are able to receive instruction, repeat drills, and the computer acts as a personal tutor ( Tohidian; Lai, Tsai & Yu, 2009) by providing immediate feedback to the learner’s responses ( Yousefzadeh, 2010; Lai et al).

References

BAŞ, G., & Kuzucu, O. (2009). Effects of CALL method and dyned language programme on students’ achievement levels and attitudes towards the lesson in English classes. //The International Journal of Distance Learning//, (6)7.

Lai, Y.S., Tsai, H.H., & Yu, P.T. (2009). A multimedia English learning system using HMMs to improve phonemic awareness for English learning. //Educational Technology & Society//, //12//(3), 266–281.

The promise and problem of literacy for Canada: An agenda for action. (2004). In //Canadian Education Association//. Retrieved from []

Tohidian, I. (2007). Is there any relationship between motivation as an advantage of computer assisted language learning (CALL) and second language acquisition (SLA)? //The International Journal of Distance Learning//, (4)11.

Upadhyay, S., & Upadhyay, N. (2007). Mobile language class: Language learning through mobile gaming. //The International Journal of Distance Learning//, (4)9.

Yousefzadeh, M. (2010). Computer–based feedback vs. instructor– provided feedback and second language learners’ reading comprehension – computer improved comprehension. //The International Journal of Distance Learning//, (7)7.