--- 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 $$ and to revolutionize learning ------------------ >--- Forwarded Message from Michael Dillon <[log in to unmask]> --- > >>Date: Fri, 25 Aug 2000 14:39:21 -0400 >>From: Michael Dillon <[log in to unmask]> >>Subject: Re: #5661Using technology to save $$ 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