Introduction to ICT in Language Learning

WHAT IS ICT ?

I : Information
C : Communication
T : Technology

In general, ICT is defined as technology functioning to support the process of communication and conveying information.

Information is the processed data, Communication is interaction process, and Technology is derived from the word “techno” which means technique and “logos” which means science.

ICT in education refers to “Information and Communication Technology (ICT) such as computers, communications facilities and features that variously support teaching-learning and a range of activity in education.
The another term is Computer-Assisted Language Learning(CALL). It is an approach to language teaching and learning in which the computer is used as an aid to the presentation, reinforcement and assessment of material to be learned, usually including a substantial interactive element.

Hypertext
Hypertext is a system to manage a collection of information that can be assessed non-sequentially, it consists of a network of chunk of information (nodes) and cross-references (logical link) between them.
Examples of applying hypertext nowadays are diverse, for instance Tokopedia, Playstore, and many applications that is installed in our gadget (we say Android Operation System).

The Concept of Hypertext

Here, there are many advantages in using hypertext :
1. Ease of tracing reference
2. Ease of creating new references
3. Information structuring
4. Global views
5. Customized documents
6. Modularity of information
7. Consistency of information
8. Task stacking
9. Collaboration

Application of Hypertext in Education

The application of hypertext for educationl purposes, especially for creating a personal learning tutorial which is known as the Computer Assisted Learning (CAL).
Hypertext allows users or students to read any topic of information without the necessity of reading from the first topic.
For the teachers, hypertext allows them to expand the notion of text including pictures, sound, music, animation and video.

Hypertext in Language Learning

Hypertext system can be implemented in learning of all language skills – listening, speaking, reading and writing – and also language aspects, such as vocabulary or grammar

Problems with Hypertext

One of major problems when working with hypertext system is helping the user visualize how the information is linked together.

Conklin stated that hypertext which offers more freedom enables users to move and hence a greater potential for the users to become lost or disoriented.