Giselle B Garcia's Contribution

1. Defining the Concepts of Technology and Technology Transfer

It is indeed challenging to define the concept of technology in one short sentence for all depends on the agencies, departments or specialists who are using it for its own purposes. However, I would say that technology relates to the physical equipment, software tools and processes that help developing products, projects and services, as well  as a "configuration" or a network of interconnected things, where knowledge and techniques are used to transfer back and forth information with particular skill of men and women. Therefore, technology is embodied in people, materials, tools, cognitive, physical processes, etc.  Now, in regard with technology transfer the same issue of complexity applies  for it has many definitions based on the disciplines of research that use it, however, technology transfer is a process by which ideas and concepts are moved from the manufacturer to the outside world.

2. Integration of Information and Communication Technologies in Enhancing Teaching and Learning

Integration of Information and Communication Technologies intends to apply technology to the educational systems to improve the effectiveness of teaching and motivate special learning experiences. However, this is not always the reality that many elementary, middle and high schools have for their lack of resources and a lack of a structured plan on how to implement technology in a creative way to strengthen students needs and weaknesses of each school, for ICT Integration requires a systematic mechanism to plan, manage, regulate, and sustain school programs at a national, regional, and institutional level. Besides, technology without teacher training is a waste of money, for the teacher must be the active and leading  role to students in class. ICT integration depends on the teacher's knowledge and wisdom.  

3. Use of Technology in English Language Teaching and Learning”: An Analysis.

As a voluntary collaborator on the EC LILE Skype encounters I have seen how motivation and interest increases on students when YouTube videos, audios, and other multimedia content are used to help their learning process. For example,  I have used an audio recorder, a video editor program and an audio editor software to adapt certain videos and audios from YouTube and make them more relevant to the quizzes and activities for the Skype Encounters.  Students seem to be quite happier and encouraged with the way how these tools and materials  have been used to promote English speaking skills and critical thinking skills during debates and conversations. All this is thanks to the use of technology for encouraging students to practice English. However, teachers needs to know how to manage all the multimedia tools and be knowledgeable of the different teaching methods to keep the class active, and try to address the learning styles of their students.  

4. The Advantages of Information Technology in Teaching English Language

As teachers and students technology allow us to address English teaching or learning , or any other language, in different learning styles and teaching approaches. It allow us to gather in groups to edit projects and do collaborative work online thru great distances, like UNAD. When practicing with native speakers students can learn more about culture and language. Also, with computers, tablets, cell phones and software applications the class can become more dynamic and motivated with the use of new teaching strategies. Also, with technology formative and summative assessments can be implemented online and facilitate our students a closer and more convenient access to the grades and performance to keep them alert, challenged and motivated to improve next time. This is something that has been implemented on English Conversation Skype encounters, for students are able to see their performance every week, and tutors are able to register and record their students' actions to keep track of their performance and behavior.

5. The Impact of Using Technology in Teaching English as a Second Language

As I was saying in previous comments that technology helps indeed with the practice of English in the four areas like listening, speaking, writing and reading. For example, on English Conversation Skype Encounters  audios are sent to students to evaluate listening comprehension, and later they are invited to participate in warm-up activities related with reading short dialogs and stories aloud to learn new vocabulary and practice pronunciation, and receive correction on that area. And then they are encourage to answer questions and use their speaking skills to answer them, like CAE and IELTS type questions. The only thing that is lacking is the use of technology software for practicing writing. All these things will help students learn faster and more effectively. Perhaps a laboratory software could be included.