creative and imaginative in English. This kind of activity is not suitable for all classes or students and as with any role play has to be set up and explained very carefully. It’s also important to be sensitive to the fact that some students may not be comfortable being ‘on camera’.
Some practical considerations Before using television or video in your class:
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Make sure you know how to operate the equipment. Check everything is working. Ensure that the screen can be seen and the sound heard throughout the room. If using a video, make sure it is cued up to the place you want it to start from and the counter is set to zero so that you can find the same place easily. If using a live broadcast, check programmes times and that you have good reception in your classroom.
Computers and the internet
Computers are increasingly a part of everyday life and the internet has, since the middle of the 1990s, revolutionised communication. This revolution has found its way into the classroom. Many schools have computers and many students have access to computers at home.
There is an ever growing range of software available for the student of English. There are programmes that teach and test grammar, vocabulary, writing skills and even pronunciation. Many programmes are available on CD-ROMs and increasingly directly on the internet. Many computer programmes which are not specifically designed for the language classroom are useful as well. A wordprocessing package is a good example of this. If the students are doing a piece of written work the teacher can monitor them while they are working. Corrections and alterations can be made immediately without the crossings out needed on paper. Reference CD-ROMs and encyclopaedias can be used as sources of material for project-based activities in class or for selfstudy and homework. Students can create class newsletters or even mini-newspapers with word-processing or desktop publishing software. The advantage of using software in this way is that the students are focussed on the task and using the technology rather than thinking about English. They need to use English to complete the task, but as they are not consciously thinking about it, their use is more natural and communicative. Computers are another source of variety and interest in the classroom. It is important to remember that however you use computers in your class, they are not a substitute for teaching. They are an extra tool for the teacher and their use needs to be planned and prepared as with any other activity. The computer is also an excellent tool for the teacher for the preparation of work sheets and exercises as well as a source of material. Well-prepared and presented materials make a good impression in the class and in the staff room!
