Technology in vocabulary learning

Technology in vocabulary learning.
“Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach him to use the Net and he won’t bother you for weeks” (Anonymous writer quoted in Teeler and Grey 2000: 36)

When the teacher uses the computer or the Internet, the vocabulary is presented with the use of texts, graphics, sounds, which also offer opportunities for a variety of learning styles. When students see and hear the same information, it is easier for them to repeat or recall it. The same is true for multimedia drills, most of which are multimedia programs or online games for learning or revising new vocabulary. They encourage quick response, and their fun factor helps to build a positive attitude towards learning. A considerable advantage of computer-based drills over paper-based ones is the ability to offer immediate feedback to learners.
The World Wide Web has a graphical presentation system which also incorporates audio and video files. In addition, free programs are available on the Internet that enable students to listen to and watch spoken news extracts from radio or TV sites.
The Internet and the computer have got a lot of advantages but Gavin Dudeney (2007: 10) claims that the use of technology does not replace using traditional materials such as blackboards or coursebooks. Technology can be used to enhance regular classroom work, for example, it can be used to do such activities as data collection e-mail project, creating a podcast on a specific topic or even producing additional electronic materials to review coursebook material on a given topic.
Elżbieta Gajek (2002: 26) gives another example how teachers can use computer and the Internet in vocabulary learning. Types of computer language exercises are:
1) Short-term language exercises:
- looking up a word in the dictionary on a CD-ROM or online dictionary,
- watching a short film on the Internet,
- summary of the work during the lesson using software and the Internet,
- receiving an e-mail and sending short messages,
- searching for updated information: sports, weather, news,
- searching for job advertisements in various companies in the world.
2) Longer-term language exercies:
- writing long speeches,
- preparing a visit to a city,
- trip planning,
- visiting museums
- website press reviews,
- writing e-mails in support of global campaigns,
- preparing film or book reviews.
Acoording to Teeler and Gray (2000: 36) the Internet is a vast virtual library which offers a seemingly endless range of topics ...