Authors:
Aline Fay de Azevedo, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil
Heloísa Orsi Koch Delgado, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil
Asafe Davi Cortina Silva, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
E-mail: aline.azevedo@pucrs.br
Published: August 16, 2017
https://doi.org/10.22492/ije.5.si.09
Citation: de Azevedo, A. F., Delgado, H. O. K., & Silva, A. D. C. S. (2017). The Use of Technology for EFL Classes in a Brazilian School: Consolidating Education 3.0. IAFOR Journal of Education, 5(SI). https://doi.org/10.22492/ije.5.si.09
Abstract
It is undeniable that digital technologies have helped in the creation of a new way of sharing knowledge. This is particularly pertinent in the area of English language education if seen as a way of enhancing connectivity and empowering individuals to promote positive changes in society. Bearing in mind that educational institutions worldwide have gradually incorporated successful innovative practices into their teaching lessons, the present paper aims to address the topic of Education 3.0 and the use of technological tools for EFL classes in a school in the south of Brazil. It reports how technology has been incorporated into the classroom to achieve interdisciplinary practices and discuss whether it has contributed to students’ learning and linguistic competence. Regarding applicability, the paper brings some examples of technological tools and current existing projects, using different types of technologies, such as Osmo, smartphones, QR codes, apps and the like. Regarding evaluation of language improvement, it seems that these technological tools have mainly fostered students’ listening and speaking abilities, which can be seen through positive students’ results obtained through Oxford placement tests. Some considerations about the limitations of this study are also made for further improvements.
Keywords
education 3.0, EFL lessons, interdisciplinary practices, linguistic competence teaching apps, technological tools