INTRODUCTION
Reason for choosing the topic
Technology significantly influences language education across listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, as well as various competencies such as grammatical, sociolinguistic, discourse, and strategic The integration of technology in grammar teaching presents both challenges and opportunities, emphasizing the need to analyze grammar within larger discourse contexts and facilitating learners' engagement in meaning negotiation Effective grammar instruction is defined as techniques that draw learners' attention to specific grammatical forms to enhance their linguistic understanding and internalization This approach moves away from mere memorization of rules, focusing instead on developing communicative competence through tasks that promote awareness and understanding of grammatical forms and their applications.
Communicative competence now encompasses technology, defined as the ability to utilize accessible L2 technology aids, make suitable linguistic choices across various communication modes, and select appropriate technologies for communication and language learning (Chappelle, 2009) Educators are increasingly turning to technology to tackle challenges in teaching grammar from a meaning-based and communicative standpoint, aiming to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of English instruction.
Incorporating multimedia resources that blend visual and audio elements significantly enhances language learning Harmer (2001) highlights two key benefits of technology in this context: first, visual cues improve learners' comprehension by conveying meanings and emotions, and second, online applications expand learners' exposure to real-world situations beyond the classroom, facilitating their progress Celce-Murcia (2002) emphasizes that media in the classroom not only motivates students but also adds authenticity and provides diverse input sources Moreover, technology-driven activities allow students to engage with language features in real contexts, transforming their understanding of grammar By contextualizing language practice, learners can appreciate the practical application of grammar, leading to a more positive attitude towards it.
This article explores the role of technology in teaching grammar and evaluates its effectiveness in the learning process for upper secondary school students The focus on this topic highlights the importance of integrating technological tools to enhance grammar instruction and improve student outcomes.
“The Application of Technology in Teaching Grammar to EFL Learners” Hopefully with this study, teachers can use them as a useful source of reference.
Aims of the study
The aims of the study are as follows:
- To provide a brief review of the application of technology in teaching grammar to EFL learners
- To suggest some applications used in grammar lessons
- To explore the perception of teachers and learners to this approach in practice
Scope of the study
This study focuses on the use of applications in grammar classes at the upper secondary level, examining the experiences of teachers and students from various high schools The findings reveal that integrating technology into the language classroom significantly enhances active learning, making it a valuable tool for educators and learners alike.
Organization of the study
The study will consist of the following parts:
This part consists of the rationale, aims, scope, and organization of the study.
CONTENT
Background to the study
2.1.1 Grammar and vocabulary technology-mediated instruction
Integrating technology into grammar instruction, particularly through blended learning, has shown significant benefits Research by Li and Hegel Heimer (2013) indicates that students using a grammar-focused mobile application demonstrated improved self-editing skills and better performance on grammar assessments Additionally, Leong et al (2019) found that digital lessons, grounded in the Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning (Mayer, 2001), facilitated implicit learning of grammar and vocabulary Furthermore, employing Data-Driven Learning and corpus consultations (Huang & Liou, 2007; Marinov, 2013) in blended grammar and vocabulary teaching has proven effective, as learners enhance their language skills through both individual and guided online activities.
2.1.2 Switching grammar and vocabulary instruction to the online mode
Instructors worldwide are increasingly leveraging technology to enhance language instruction, particularly in grammar teaching for foreign and second language learners Various technological tools, such as websites, CD-ROMs, and software like Learning English Electronically (LEE), provide interactive lessons and instant feedback, addressing the "grammar deficit" often found in students Approaches that integrate word processing, electronic dictionaries, and online resources facilitate a more engaging learning experience Transitioning to online grammar instruction through mobile platforms can be effective if it includes engaging materials, proper teacher oversight, active student participation, incentives, respect for privacy, and a secure learning environment.
2.1.3 Teacher literacies and skills for the emergency transition to online teaching
The COVID-19 health crisis has significantly challenged teachers' professional roles, career satisfaction, and digital literacy compared to traditional face-to-face teaching methods The professional role of teachers and their level of job satisfaction are vital factors that influence the successful completion of curriculums.
In today's educational landscape, teachers must possess strong digital literacy skills to effectively navigate online teaching environments, a necessity that has become even more pronounced due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which accelerated the shift toward virtual learning As essential providers of education, teachers play a crucial role in facilitating learning through various online platforms, leveraging their professional expertise to address students' challenges Teacher career satisfaction is vital, as it contributes to a positive mindset and enhances their overall effectiveness Equipped with fundamental digital skills, teachers become more competitive in both online and traditional classroom settings Ultimately, the teacher's role as a knowledge transmitter is pivotal in virtual education, with the effectiveness of grammar and vocabulary instruction heavily influenced by the teacher's control over online teaching methods.
Some Useful Tech Tools Used in Teaching Grammar
Wordwall.net is a free online platform that enables teachers to create engaging learning activities effortlessly By entering a specific topic, educators can access a diverse range of customizable options, including quizzes, word games, and maze chases, or even design their own activities from scratch Notably, most activities on Wordwall can be utilized in both interactive and printable formats, enhancing flexibility in the classroom This user-friendly tool not only makes learning enjoyable but is also available in multiple languages, catering to a global audience.
Wordwall.net offers a versatile platform for creating both interactive and printable activities Many of its templates are designed to function in both formats, allowing for flexibility in usage Interactive activities can be accessed on any web-enabled device, such as computers, tablets, smartphones, or interactive whiteboards, enabling individual play by students or teacher-led sessions where students participate in turns Additionally, printable sheets can be easily printed or downloaded as PDF files, serving as complementary resources to the interactive activities or as independent tasks.
The Software Interface of Wordwall.net
Classkick is a free digital formative assessment tool that empowers teachers to create personalized lessons and assignments for students to complete at their own pace on various devices With real-time progress tracking, teachers can provide immediate feedback, while students can also anonymously seek assistance from their peers The platform supports multimedia integration, allowing teachers to enhance their content with text, images, audio, and video Available on both web and app platforms, Classkick enables teachers to upload their own materials or create new ones, fostering individualized learning experiences Students engage with assignments through various interactive formats, and teachers can offer tailored feedback using a range of tools, including direct annotations and digital stickers The tool promotes collaborative learning by allowing students to signal when they need help, ensuring that teachers can monitor progress and address individual needs effectively.
The Software Interface of Classkich.com
Kahoot is the free online platform for making and working learning games
Kahoot is an engaging tool for teachers to create multiple-choice questions with embedded images, enhancing the learning experience in English classes According to Medina (2017), Kahoot boosts student motivation and improves grammatical skills, with students expressing high satisfaction and enjoyment during classroom activities Educators utilize Kahoot for warm-ups, revisions, preparations, and assessments, effectively integrating it into various teaching strategies The app emphasizes visual learning, allowing users to align content with educational standards, making it easier to find relevant games By fostering communication, cooperation, and motivation, Kahoot creates a supportive learning environment that incorporates play mechanics, music, and visual elements, ultimately helping students unlock their full potential.
The Software Interface of Kahoot.com
Blooket is an innovative online trivia platform designed for teachers, allowing them to create custom question sets or explore those made by other educators After signing up for a teacher account, you can host interactive games using these sets, with diverse gameplay options like Gold Quest, Battle Royale, and Classic games, similar to Kahoot Students can easily join your game without needing an account by visiting blooket.com/play and entering a provided pin The platform's self-paced games are perfect for virtual classrooms, enabling students to participate simultaneously or complete assignments at their convenience With competitive elements and a chance factor, Blooket keeps students engaged and makes learning fun.
The Software Interface of Blooket.com
Liveworksheets is an innovative tool that enables teachers to convert traditional print worksheets (PDF, Word, JPG) into engaging interactive exercises, enhancing the learning experience for students With features like multiple choice, drag and drop, and audio or video integration, teachers can create dynamic activities, including speaking exercises that require students to record their voices This platform not only offers a variety of pre-made worksheets from other users but also promotes self-correction, allowing students to submit their answers online By utilizing Liveworksheets, educators can save time, motivate students, and contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing paper usage, all while leveraging modern technology to enrich educational content.
The Software Interface of Liveworksheets.com
Classroomscreen is a user-friendly online tool designed to present lesson instructions in a visually appealing manner With more than 13 customizable widgets available, it enhances classroom activities and helps students engage effectively with their work.
The Software Interface of ClassroomScreen
ClassroomScreen offers a variety of digital widgets that teachers can easily project onto a screen for their students To begin, select a language and background, then position the chosen widget for optimal visibility Utilize tools like the clock, timer, traffic light, and sound level indicators to facilitate independent work or streamline group activities Enhance instructions with text and drawing tools, and save names from the random name generator for future use A standout feature is the duo widget option, allowing teachers to split the screen for different group assignments The work symbols (whisper, silence, ask neighbor, and work together) help manage group dynamics, enabling one group to collaborate while the other remains focused Additionally, teachers can assign different start and end times for each group, optimizing classroom management.
Mentimeter is a versatile online polling software that enables users to conduct live or asynchronous polls, quizzes, and word clouds It allows for anonymous polling, and students can participate via a downloadable app or through their browser on various devices Additionally, polls can be embedded in Blackboard for seamless integration The platform is entirely web-based, featuring an intuitive editor for creating engaging presentations with questions, polls, quizzes, images, and GIFs After completing the polls, students can visualize their responses through vibrant graphics At the conclusion of a Mentimeter presentation, results can be shared and exported for analysis, allowing for data comparison over time to track audience progress.
The Software Interface of Mentimeter.com
Baamboozle is a free, grid-style online learning platform designed for gamification in the classroom, making learning enjoyable for students of all ages It is ideal for teachers who value engaging and interactive instruction and are eager to elevate their teaching methods.
Baamboozle is an online game-style learning platform that offers fun and accessible interactivity for classrooms and individual tasks Its simplicity sets it apart from other quiz-based tools, ensuring ease of use even on older devices With over half a million pre-made games and the option for teachers to create their own, Baamboozle provides a wealth of learning content suitable for in-class activities, remote learning, and homework Students can access the platform from their own devices, allowing them to learn and play from virtually anywhere.
The Software Interface of Baamboozle.com
CONCLUSION
The conclusion summarizes the key findings of the study and offers recommendations aimed at enhancing the assessment of student outcomes, highlighting its implications for future educational practices.
2.1.1 Grammar and vocabulary technology-mediated instruction
Integrating technology into grammar instruction, particularly through blended learning, has shown significant benefits for student performance Research by Li and Hegel Heimer (2013) indicates that using grammar-focused mobile applications enhances students' self-editing skills, correlating positively with improvements in grammar test scores and a decrease in writing errors Additionally, Leong et al (2019) highlight that digital lessons, grounded in the Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning (Mayer, 2001), facilitate implicit learning of grammar and vocabulary Furthermore, employing Data-Driven Learning and corpus consultations, as noted by Huang & Liou (2007) and Marinov (2013), allows learners to boost their grammar and vocabulary proficiency through both individual and teacher-led online activities.
2.1.2 Switching grammar and vocabulary instruction to the online mode
Instructors worldwide are increasingly leveraging technology to enhance language instruction, particularly in teaching grammar for foreign and second language learners Various technological tools, such as websites, CD-ROMs, and interactive software like Cyber Tutor and Learning English Electronically (LEE), provide innovative ways to teach grammar concepts and sentence structure across diverse topics Additionally, approaches combining word processing, electronic dictionaries, and online resources aim to address the "grammar deficit" observed in British undergraduates studying German Transitioning grammar instruction to an online format through asynchronous self-study materials via mobile devices can be effective if engaging content is provided, alongside adequate teacher monitoring, student involvement, incentives, respect for privacy, and a secure learning environment.
2.1.3 Teacher literacies and skills for the emergency transition to online teaching
The COVID-19 health crisis has significantly challenged teachers' professional roles, career satisfaction, and digital literacy compared to traditional face-to-face teaching methods These factors are essential, as they directly influence the successful completion of curriculums.
In today's educational landscape, teachers must possess strong digital literacy skills to effectively teach online, a necessity that has become even more pronounced due to the COVID-19 pandemic As essential providers of education, teachers are pivotal in virtual learning environments, which have rapidly evolved to accommodate online platforms across all educational levels The transition to virtual teaching has highlighted the teacher's role as a problem solver and motivator, fostering a connection between various aspects of the teaching process Job satisfaction among teachers is crucial, as it contributes to their overall well-being and appreciation for their profession Those with robust digital literacy are better positioned to thrive in both online and traditional classroom settings Ultimately, teachers serve as vital knowledge transmitters in virtual education, with their ability to integrate technology into grammar and vocabulary instruction significantly influenced by their control over online teaching methods.
2.2 Some Useful Tech Tools Used in Teaching Grammar
Wordwall.net is a free online tool that enables teachers to create customizable learning activities by simply entering their desired topic Users can access a diverse range of ready-made activities, including quizzes, word games, and maze chases, or design their own from scratch The platform stands out for its versatility, allowing activities to be used in both interactive and printable formats, making learning more engaging and enjoyable Additionally, Wordwall is user-friendly and supports multiple languages, enhancing its accessibility for educators worldwide.
Wordwall.net offers a versatile platform for creating both interactive and printable activities, with most templates available in both formats Interactive activities can be accessed on any web-enabled device, including computers, tablets, smartphones, and interactive whiteboards, allowing for individual play or teacher-led sessions with students taking turns Meanwhile, printable sheets can be directly printed or downloaded as PDF files, serving as companions to the interactive activities or as independent resources.
The Software Interface of Wordwall.net
Classkick is a free digital formative assessment tool that empowers teachers to create personalized lessons and assignments for students to complete at their own pace on various devices, including web browsers, Chromebooks, and iPads With real-time progress tracking, teachers can provide immediate feedback and support, while students can anonymously seek assistance from their peers The platform seamlessly integrates text, images, videos, and audio into assignments, fostering cooperative learning Teachers can upload or create content using various media to enhance instruction and assessments Classkick also features tools for individualized feedback and grading, enabling teachers to monitor student progress and address their needs effectively through digital hand raising.
The Software Interface of Classkich.com
Kahoot is the free online platform for making and working learning games
Kahoot is an interactive tool that enables teachers to create multiple-choice questions, incorporating images and photos to enhance learning experiences Educators can design their own Kahoots or access a plethora of publicly available games tailored to specific texts or grammar levels According to Medina (2017), Kahoot serves as an effective teaching aid in English classes, significantly boosting student motivation and grammatical understanding Students express high satisfaction with Kahoot, appreciating its user-friendly interface during classroom activities This digital strategy not only enhances grammar and knowledge but also functions as a warm-up, revision, preparation, and assessment tool Kahoot encourages collaboration and communication among learners, fostering a supportive learning environment By integrating engaging elements such as play mechanics, music, and visual innovation, Kahoot creates memorable educational moments that empower students to unlock their full potential.
The Software Interface of Kahoot.com
Blooket is an innovative online trivia platform designed for teachers, allowing them to create custom question sets or explore those made by other educators After signing up for a teacher account, you can host engaging games such as Gold Quest, Battle Royale, or Classic, using the same set of questions across various formats Students can easily join games without needing an account by visiting blooket.com/play and entering a provided pin This platform is particularly beneficial for virtual learning, as many games are self-paced and do not require students to view the teacher's screen Teachers can choose to have students play simultaneously or assign games as homework, enabling learners to progress at their own pace The competitive nature of the games, combined with elements of chance, keeps students engaged and makes learning enjoyable.
The Software Interface of Blooket.com
"Liveworksheets" is an innovative tool that enables teachers to convert traditional print worksheets (PDF, Word, JPG) into engaging interactive exercises, including formats like multiple choice, drag and drop, and audio/video integration This platform allows for the creation of speaking exercises where students can record their responses using a built-in microphone With access to a variety of pre-made worksheets from other users, teachers can enhance the learning experience by selecting the most suitable exercise formats for their lessons The interactive nature of these worksheets not only motivates students but also saves teachers time and reduces paper waste, making it an environmentally friendly option By leveraging modern educational technologies, "Liveworksheets" transforms learning into a more enjoyable and effective process.
The Software Interface of Liveworksheets.com
"Classroomscreen" is a versatile online tool designed to present lesson instructions in a clear and visually appealing manner With more than 13 customizable widgets available, it enhances classroom activities and facilitates student engagement, making it easier for learners to start their tasks effectively.
The Software Interface of ClassroomScreen
ClassroomScreen offers a variety of digital widgets that teachers can project for the entire class, starting with the selection of a language and background Teachers can easily position widgets like clocks, timers, traffic lights, and sound level indicators to facilitate independent work or enhance group activities Utilizing text and drawing tools helps provide clarity to instructions The random name generator feature allows teachers to save names for future use, while the duo widget option enables the division of the screen for different group assignments Additionally, work symbols such as whisper, silence, ask neighbor, and work together can guide group dynamics, allowing for varied start and end times for each group.
Mentimeter is a versatile online polling software that allows users to create live or asynchronous polls, quizzes, and word clouds With anonymous polling options, students can participate via a downloadable app or through their browser on any device, including laptops and mobile phones The platform can be easily integrated into Blackboard, enhancing accessibility Mentimeter's user-friendly web-based editor enables the creation of engaging presentations by incorporating questions, polls, quizzes, images, and GIFs After completing the polls, students can visualize their responses through vibrant graphics Additionally, users can share and export results for analysis, facilitating the comparison of data over time to track audience progress.
The Software Interface of Mentimeter.com
Baamboozle is a free, grid-style online learning platform that enhances classroom gamification, making learning enjoyable for students of all ages It is ideal for teachers who prioritize engaging and exciting instruction and are eager to elevate their teaching methods.