ENHANCING LANGUAGE LEARNING THROUGH ICT INTEGRATION

RIA A. DABU

The integration of Information and Communication technology has been significantly important, especially in today's digital age.

The term "ICT" includes all communication devices such as computers, mobile phones, radios, televisions and satellite systems. It has to do with internet facilities. At the same time, the role and use of technology as a tool for teaching English is increasing as educators realize its ability to create both independent and collaborative learning environments in which students can easily learn English.

Language teachers need to be innovative and enthusiastic in the teaching and learning process by ICT integration. ICT integration is the seamless use of technology in educational processes, such as implementing curriculum content and engaging students with technology to complete formal tasks. Today, lCT not only facilitates the delivery of lessons, but also facilitates the learning process itself.

ICT ofters opportunities that will enhance the teaching and learning of English as a second language. ICT may provide learners and teachers with interactive and engaging activities that will help develop the learners' language skills.

Language teachers have to take advantage of the availability of the interactive multimedia resources which offers a wide range of activities such as vocabulary building. grammar exercises, interactive reading materials and listening comprehension activities. These resources will help learners develop and learn English anytime and anywhere using tablets, cellphones, or computers.

Through ICT integration learners can also listen, watch videos, and engage in online discussions with English speakers. To be able to develop linguistic competence and cultural awareness, learners need to be exposed to real-life language use.

ICT integration also provides collaborative learning opportunities for learners. Social media forums and discussions will help learners interact with their peers, exchange ideas and make collaborative projects which will enhance the learner's communication skills, critical thinking and problem solving abilities.

Language teachers can also use language learning applications and software which will help students learn in their own pace. Learners will be provided with exercises, feedback, and progress tracking. These materials help in the improvement of the learning process as it will motivate the learners to study without judgement.

ICT integration helps learners create multimedia presentations, videos, and digital storytelling. Learners can use their video editing tools and other presentation software in presenting their ideas and sharing their stories, thus, developing leaners' communication skills through speaking and writing as well as their digital literacy.

Learners of today are more inclined to digital platforms, and they are digital sawy. Learners need to be provided with opportunities to use technology in their advantage through the integration of lCT in enhancing their English language learning. Language teachers need to keep up with the trend and continue to use the advancement of technology to develop the language skills of learners. Language teachers task is to create dynamic and engaging English language classrooms.

With the advancement of technology language teachers need to keep up with the pace and continue to think of ways on how to integrate ICT in their language teaching and learning to be able to enhance language learning outcomes. Language teachers need to be ready and able to keep up with the changes.

-oOoThe author is Teacher I at Prado Siongco Elementary School, Lubao West

District.