Thiking activity on Web2.0

This blog is part of my academic task given by our professor. 

The 21^st century is frequently referred to as an e-generation for a reason that it is marked with innumerable advancements in technology and use of multiple media in general and computer science in particular. In these days, technology has altered the ways of almost all the major factors of living life, way of communication, business and learning and teaching. The academics arena considers the computer science as a panacea as it has revolutionized the teaching-system by transforming the ‘teacher-centered’ way to the ‘learner-centered’ one. Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) is the innovative idea for the teaching of English through the Web 2.0 Tools like some Websites, Software Applications, Blogs, Video Streaming, Chat & e-mails, Podcasts, Wiki Educators, and the list goes on.

From Teaching-Learning to Learning-Teaching:-

The changing nature of teaching can be defined as “Techno-pedagogy” as it is the blended learning and teaching happening through the Information and Communication Technology. The traditional method of “Chalk, Talk and Notes” has become outdated for today’s e-learners. Because the learning happens beyond the textbooks and the four-walls of class-rooms. Even the role of a teacher is no more conventional as he/she is more considered as a researcher, facilitator or instructor.  The teacher has to be techno-savvy to offer his learners the knowledge the way they want it. He has to adopt innovative teaching methods and approaches to make the lectures more engaging, lively and interesting. To do these things one has to have sound knowledge of the subject in addition to digital literacy which means not confident, creative and critical use of technology.

Virtual Learning Environment:-

There are various phases in English Language Teaching, from Computer Assisted Language Learning to Technology Enhanced Language Learning and now Web Enhanced Language Learning. Earlier the use of CALL seemed to be authoritative but after developments now it has become more collaborative. It emphasizes the two-way communication or sometimes multi-directional conversations and becomes more and more interactive. The youth prefer the ideas like chatting, preparing blogs, profiles, e-portfolios, net-discussions, peer-commenting, sharing the ideas on social-networking sites or preparing presentations using videos, images and animations. All of these are Web2.0 components that can be used efficiently to empower the language-learning process.

Advantages of Web 2.0 Tools:-

 It demands a lot of participation from the learners, so they attain central position in the process.

It has made learning available any-time and any-where. The Virtual Space sees no boundaries so a learner has a free-will to choose the time and place for learning.

 It is cost-effective for distance learning where instructor and learner cannot meet really but Web2.0 makes it possible virtually.

The knowledge and information is made available on the finger-tips of the learner with the help of Web 2.0.

 It is easy-to-access way of learning and teaching.

The learners can get the feedback for his work or test in very short-time.

Social-networking sites can be helpful for learners to communicate as well as to share their ideas and feelings with everyone.

Blogs provides the global platform for the learners to share their knowledge.

Apart from these, the websites like Wikipedia, e-notes, sparknotes, novelguide become the helpful source of information; the Google-groups provide space for the online-discussions; the moodle and Brihaspati sites are immensely supportive for organizing, giving and taking tests; the you-tube videos and slide-share accounts enable sharing of videos and presentations, etc.

Few Drawbacks:

The Web 2.0 tools are all on-line ways of Information and Communication Technology. So lack of connectivity can be the hurdle in remote places or rural areas.

All the teachers and Learners may not have digital literacy or computer competency. The approach of teacher or learner towards Web2.0 language Learning proves to be the biggest obstacle in learning process.

 The technological advancements are on very fast pace, so it becomes difficult for all the teachers and learners to cope up with it.

Basically, it is Computer Mediated Communication [CMC]. So it may not be the affordable to everyone, and hence it doesn’t remain cost-effective.


Conclusion:

From desktop PCs to Laptops, Laptops to Palmtops and Palmtops to cell-phone based language learning, shows the rapid changes in technology. All these advancements are adapted gradually in the process of teaching and learning.  So teaching does not remain an art but the mixture of art of teaching and computer science.