--- Forwarded Message from Aleta Anderson <[log in to unmask]> ---

>In-Reply-To: <[log in to unmask]>
>Date: Wed, 30 Aug 2000 09:54:12 -0700
>To: Language Learning and Technology International Information Forum               <[log in to unmask]>
>From: Aleta Anderson <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Re: #5661.2 Using technology to save $$ and to revolutionize learning

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>--- Forwarded Message from Michael Dillon <[log in to unmask]> ---
>
>>Date:         Fri, 25 Aug 2000 14:39:21 -0400
>>From: Michael Dillon <[log in to unmask]>
>>Subject:      Re: #5661Using technology to save $$ and to revolutionize
>>learning
>>To: [log in to unmask], [log in to unmask]
>>cc: Michael Dillon <[log in to unmask]>
>
>Dear colleagues and friends.-
>I am really glad that Dr. Saury brought out the eternal dilemma between
>using technology, saving money and improving language education. As far I
>know, language classes are different from other classes as math or physics,
>not only because you can learn math by yourself or using the computer, but
>becausethe main reason that you are learning another language is in order
>TO COMMUNICATE WITH PEOPLE not with computers or calculators. Now most of
>the students prefer to use MULTIMEDIA rather than talk with a foreign
>student (native speaker) who is sitting next to them, trying to learn
>english. I think in order to improve our language classes we have to
>integrate more native speakers, make real conversation clubs (not clubs
>that meet one time per week and they cook), I am talking about having  3
>little groups (5 or 6 people in each group) with one native speaker. All of
>these groups would be under the supervision of a professor who is in charge
>of creating activites and clarifying some questions (I am pretty sure that
>in every university there are native speakers who want to help). Also I
>want to point out that I am not against technology or computer labs
>(actually I was working in one), I just want to say that maybe we have to
>use this technology in order to FACILITATE COMMUNICATION WITH PEOPLE. I
>have heard that chat rooms produce great learning effects in students.
>Thanks for reading my comments, I will be glad to hear yours