Using information and communication technologies to motivate young learners to practice English as a foreign language in Cyprus

Abstract

Information and Communication Technologies (ict) are continuously evolving and when integrated appropriately these can facilitate foreign language learning classes. Connecting the curriculum to real world tasks in this way prepares "learners for the challenge of coping with the language they hear and read in the real world outside the classroom" (Nunan, 2004, p.50). This paper discusses the use of ict and the way it can motivate young learners of the age of 9-12, during their efl classes, increasing their linguistic repertoire and developing their language skills. It also discusses how important it is for a teacher to be innovative, creating great opportunities for learning and without forgetting that "professional development must focus not only on how to use a particular hardware or software, but also on how it is used in alignment with more effective pedagogy, content, and context" (Li and Ni, 2010, p.120). Using ict with a combination of interesting activities, motivating videos and songs through the use of the internet and the World Wide Web students can practice the target language, and be encouraged to become active explorers of language, whilst simultaneously gaining fluency.