PDF #35 – Ulugbek Nurmukhamedov – Review – Second Language Teaching and Learning in the Net Generation
In the field of Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL), the term “Net Generation” has been clearly defined by Prensky (2001), who states that Net Generation members are “digital natives” since they “[have] spent their entire lives surrounded by and using computers, videogames, digital music players, video cams, cell phones, and all the other toys and tools of the digital age” (p. 1), all of which make them different from the baby boomer generation.
For those who are eager to learn more about the language learning needs and necessities of the Net Generation, the edited book by Oxford and Oxford (2009), entitled Second Language Teaching and Learning in the Net Generation is a must-read resource. Since most of the contributors to the book are second and foreign language instructors as well as researchers, almost every chapter of the book describes empirical studies involving different innovative technologies and state-of-the-art tools, offering pedagogical ideas, effective strategies, and useful suggestions on how these technologies could be applied to enhance language teaching and learning.
Surprisingly, however, while the book emphasizes the use of technology in foreign and second language learning, only two chapters include images of the types of technology described (Wimba voice chat, and discussion board; video-based conferencing software Waveasy). For readers who have only recently started integrating and using technology, the inclusion of images could help see or imagine the mentioned technology and/or tools as students engage in activities. Additionally, URL addresses of software and programs (e.g., SL; university-based learner-friendly blogs) have not been provided either, thus making it difficult, if not impossible, for educators to use these resources and techniques in different classroom settings. Currently, interested readers will have to find information about the mentioned software or the website URLs themselves. Although techies (those who are technologically savvy) might be familiar with most of the resources and websites provided in the chapters, for both tech-aficionados and tech-novices, the absence of URLs could be a slight inconvenience.
After reading “Second Language Teaching and Learning” you can check important issues for ESL teachers on the section PDFs, and visit my YouTube channel.