Everyone is using technology in the classroom, so you'd better add some computer/Internet activities, right? Wrong! Yes, there are amazing things you can do with your ESL class, but technology should be used in the classroom only if it helps you reach your learning goal. For example, say your goal is for students to practice asking for and giving directions, and you want to use a particular piece of realia, like a map, but you don’t have any real ones. You can always use online maps (virtual realia) and for that you could definitely use a computer.
If your goal is to “Finish Chapter 7”, well, let me be honest with you…that’s not a very good goal. Yes, you have a syllabus. Yes, you have an overall class plan you need to meet. But top of mind should be what your students must learn.
No Plan B
You’ve planned an awesome lesson, a multimedia lesson with video and audio so your class can have some good listening comprehension exercises. But the moment you connect your computer you realize you have no Internet connection. Well, stuff happens and when it comes to using technology in the classroom, you have to be prepared in case something does not go according to plan. Should you ditch your entire plan and just have them play games for the rest of the class? You should always have a Plan B, another route that will take you to the same lesson goal. If your goal is to practice listening comprehension, you should have another listening comprehension exercise that will easily replace the one you planned on doing in the computer, maybe a CD or a reading out loud.
Planning is important, above all, because it gives students a sense of structure.
The lesson plans are to guide you in organizing your material and yourself for the purpose of helping your students achieve intended learning outcomes.
