Tech·(‘nä-lij)·y
By Tia Logans
My friend is one of those people who believe that we overuse technology. While he is not intrinsically a
Neo-Luddite,
1 he de;nitely believes that
technology has made us both ine;cient
and lazy. Of course, I disagree.
Technology in education, when used
appropriately, can increase retention
across the spectrum. ;rough its ability
to display information in various ways,
technology has the ability to create engaged and lifelong learners. For some
subjects, such as language, technology
can be a particularly great asset. If we
look at the technologies of mobile devices and the Internet alone, we can see
just how much of an impact technology
can have on retention. Ultimately, we can
use these tools to introduce us to a type
of active learning that will make us forget
we are learning and make even the most
anti-grammar language learners enjoy
what they are learning.
Digital Tool #1: Online Books
“It is a truth universally acknowledged,
that a single man in possession of
a good fortune, must be in want of a
wife.” This quote is taken from Pride
and Prejudice—which is just one of
the many books available online. This
book and other classics are usually
out of copyright and are available for
free or for a very small cost (less than
$5). The classics are full of great vocabulary, interesting plots, and perfect
grammar. Because they are digital, they
can be taken anywhere and added to
almost any mobile device. Great online
bookstores include Project Gutenberg,
Amazon (free Kindle application), and
Google Books.
Digital Tool #2: Apps
Finding great digital books brings me
to another great digital tool—apps
(applications). Mobile apps, in particular, allow you to set up alerts, play
games, and have a daily reminder of
. . . Technology
has the ability
to create
engaged
and lifelong
learners.
new words. On the Android and Apple
app market alone, there are more than
;;y apps that can be used for vocabulary and grammar enhancement (such
as ;ashcard apps, word games, and reference tools).
Perhaps the best tool to use with a
physical or digital book is a mobile dictionary. A great one to use is the
Merri-am-Webster Dictionary App. ;is app
makes it incredibly easy to look up a
word, includes audio pronunciation, and
alerts you with a new word to learn each
day. If you are reading the classics, or just
come across a word you don’t know, this
app is extremely handy.
Digital Tool #3: Google
Another great tool for vocabulary is
Google. When hearing or learning a new
word, such as a word of the day, retention
will come best when that word is placed
in context that is memorable. When us-
ing Google search, you have the ability to
search news stories, blogs, and Google
Scholar, and you also can set the read-
ing level of your results to pages that have
advanced vocabulary. Searching news
stories and blogs helps with learning the
word in context, as the learner can ob-
serve how the word is used within text
that interests him or her. Google Scholar
(and the search reading level) not only
can help a person learn the new word,
but it also can help augment vocabulary
with highly academic language and im-
prove reading comprehension.
Digital Tool #4: Podcasts
Finally, let’s talk about podcasts. A podcast is a short audio program that can be
played anywhere. Have an extra ;;een
minutes in the car? How about turning
on Grammar Girl Grammar Girl is a
podcast that highlights individual grammar concepts and discusses each one
in a fun and lively manner—de;nitely
a must-have for anyone learning or relearning grammar.
Many other grammar and vocabulary
resources are available online, ranging
from games to etymology dictionaries to
videos explaining parts of speech. Technology can de;nitely be useful, and with
the world at our ;ngertips, we have more
ability than ever before to learn, grow,
and be engaged.
Tia Logans is a technology enthusiast
who works in the ;eld of education and
technology. She has a bachelor of science
degree in information, networking, and
telecommunications and has earned a
master of science degree in educational
technology. Tia has been developing websites since 1999 and is well versed in social
media, programming, and web applications. Tia has taught English, multimedia,
and HTML to students in grades 6–12 at
a private Christian school.
Endnote:
1. “Neo-Luddite is used to describe those who are
considered to be anti-technology, or those who
dislike or have a di;cult time understanding
and using modern science and technology.”
www.webopedia.com/TERM/N/Neo_Luddite
.html, accessed February 15, 2012.
www.; eHomeschoolMagazine.com
