Tuesday, May 8, 2007

The internet and young EFL/ESL learners


One of the areas I'm most interested in is the use of web 2.o tool with young learners. I believe that with the introduction of fast internet and the availability of free applications such as Youtube, blogs, Flickr and the like we can finally break away from text bound internet experience. In doing so we can allow younger language learners to create their own content using video, audio and pictures which can be posted via blogs on the web.

The technology necessary for such work is limited to a PC, cheap digital/web camera and a scanner. Nor are the skills required to use them beyond the ability of your average seven - year old.

The only worry might be security issues but once again with the right guidance and tuition the risks can be kept to a minimum.

As a kind of test of this idea I've been working with my own seven - year old daughter on her own blog. In doing so I've learnt a lot about how quickly kids pick and understand the technology used. In addition it is great fun for them to hear and see themselves. Here is Lydia's latest vlog entry.


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