Thoughts on using technology in class

      There is no doubt that technology, if used appropiately, will enhance classroom teaching. It can attract students' attention, promote learner's interest, supply various video and audio materials, and create authentic learning environment. But as every coin has two sides, technology can also bring some side effect. Teachers may have to spend much more time on preparing for classes, students may be addicted to a certain technology and lose interest in listening to their instructors in class. Therefore when using technology, instructors must take the purpose and content of the class into consideration and integrate technology into the class at the right time and the right place. In addition, students' needs and expectations should be satisfied when one is trying to design a technology-based class, in other words, we do not use technology for technology, we use it for  students and for achieving the preplanned target of the class.

      When it comes to language teaching in class,  I hold it firmly that technology cannot take the place of the role of instructors. Language learning requires constant personal interaction between learners and teachers and learners themselves as well. Although some modern technologies can create authentic interactive language environment, they are virtual, asynchronous (though some synchronous) and therefore unreal. Teachers' guide and tutorial  is essential and  indispensable for students' language development.