Research On Integrating Internet With English Language Teaching

With the progress of Internet and communication technology, Computer AssistedLanguage Learning (abbreviated as CALL) that emerged in 1960's has developed from its simplest application form- multimedia to Internet.The Internet and the rise of computer-mediated communication in particular have reshaped the uses of computers for language learning. Internet provides EFL/ESL teachers with a large quantity of materials and information concerning EFL/ESL learning and teaching, cultural background knowledge about English speaking countries and EFL/ESL research. In the meanwhile, the role of the teacher has changed as well. Teachers are not the only source of information any more, but act as facilitators so that students can actively interpret and organize the information they are given, fitting it into prior knowledge (Dole, et al., 1991). Students have become active participants in learning and are encouraged to be explorers and creators of language rather than passive recipients of it (Brown, 1991).This paper reviews the development of CALL (Computer Assisted Language Learning) and its current popular function-Internet; outlines the advantages and disadvantages of using Internet in English teaching and learning and the rationales to support this practice; introduces 4 typical English teaching and learning activities on Internet; analyzes the factors to be considered for integrating Internet with English teaching and learning; as well as presents some suggestions; in terms of on-line course curriculum and teacher's role.