“Do teachers need to
create web-based language activities for EFL students in the Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia? Why and why not?
Teachers in the Saudi context need to
create web-based activities. The Saudi students have become good users of the
interent and technological applications. The development or educational trends
had made the Internet an integral part of the current lanaguage classroom.
Web-based applications and resources have
enriched the teaching domain with many rich insights. Internet has introduced
many applications whether face to face or online that can be used in the
classroom. Educators can benefit from Internet in many ways whether through
translation, searching, internet documents, internet groups, internet news,
etc.
Internet provides the facility of custom
search. It is tailored to get the specific websites that one needs. Students
can work cooperatively to write a document. Internet groups online service allows
group members to have a shared discussion and interact together. It can be used
in online courses. students can exchange ideas and debates. Teachers can make
online materials available to students.
It is clear that Internet is a
comprehensive tool in language teaching. It offers all the services that
teachers and students need in terms of the material, the means of
communication, the required resources, the proper learning setting, and the
relevant classroom activities.
Web-based activities in EFL domain have always been a reliable source of
authentic language learning. With internet-based applications, students, for
example, can practice writing whether synchronously (e.g. chatting, instant
messaging, and, live discussion boards) or asynchronously (e.g. emails and
blogs). In pedagogical environments, using Internet applications effectively
helps in sharing knowledge beyond the classroom setting.
However, the most important point in using technology in EFL classes is
the ability of the teacher to integrate the applications into the class and how
he can engage students to benefit from this technology. Teachers should be
aware to how to make this integration and how to motivate students to be active
users of technology.
On the other hand, there are many challenges in the Saudi
context that mat prevent the teachers from using web-based activities and
quizzes. Students are still regarding
technology as a matter of luxuary and not as something integral to the course.
Technology should be used as part of the course and students should be
evaluated as per their technological knowledge.
