Since I have not yet finished the questions during my presentation, I would like to share my opinion about them. The questions are: What impact does language and literacy have on the Internet? What is “technological revolution”? What is the benefit of technological change in regard to language learning?
Actually, the first question is borrowed from Blyth’s question in “Research perspectives on online discourse” which is on page 66. Murray (2000) noted that scholars often equate the Internet to the introduction of the printing press in the 15th century and that the printing press is generally understood to have triggered widespread changes in literacy practices. In other words, the literacy is related to the “technological revolution.” According to Murray’s article, technological revolutions entail rapid and far-reaching social change that is the inevitable result of the introduction of a major new technology. Obviously, people could not get rid of the technologies because the new inventions were born every day. Murray, therefore, states that technology and society are in a complex, mutual relationship. When talking about the “benefit” of technological change in regard to language learning, I know that someone might argue that what technology brings to people is “disadvantages.” I agree to some extent, but I still can not deny the “benefit” that technology creates. For instance, people can book tickets, check in, go shopping, chat with friends, and study online. Especially, a lot of software is free to the public, so I mainly use Skype and MSN to communicate with my friends and family.
I agree, Hsuan-Yin, I'm not sure we really have the luxury of rejecting technologies outright, because they act over time to change what communication is, and therefore, how language is used. Since we teach people how to use language, we can't ignore it, for good or for bad.
回覆刪除New technology facilicates foreign language learning. From cassette&tape recorder, to walkman, to MP3 player, iPod, the devices have become more portable, and it becomes more and more convenient to get the access to the source of the target language anytime and anywhere. When I started to learn English, I could only listen to English at home with a tape recorder, while when I was an undergraduate, I listened to English (such as BBC, VOA, songs, etc) with my MP3 player when I was waiting for the bus, taking subway, or jogging. New technology has contributed to my progress in English learning.
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