Advantages and disadvantages of using ICTs for language teaching

The integration of the NICTs to teach languages presents both advantages and disadvantages for teachers as well as learners, just as the use of any other material.

Among the advantages noticed, we would like to mention the following:

·        the possibility of extending the learning experience beyond the classroom walls.

·        increased motivation.

·        more interaction both teacher-students and students-students.

·        flexibility (in terms of topics, timing, learning styles).

·        development of collaborative work.

·        increased students’ participation.

Although we believe the advantages far outnumber the drawbacks, some cons can also be mentioned:

·                    teachers need to be familiar with a number of resources and sometimes they lack enough preparation. In this sense, as Jeff Utecht, a teacher in Shanghai, says, “If we want to engage students in learning, we need to first understand their world. This world is without borders, boundaries, and is limited only by the speed of one’s Internet access” (as cited in  Solomon and Lynne, 2007, p. 22).

·                    the application of some activities requiring ICT may be time-consuming.

·                    some students might be reluctant to use new technologies and that fear needs to be overcome.