ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we will argue for the importance of making EIL classrooms multimodal so that technology and computer-enhanced learning are a regular part of the classroom. We will illustrate ways in which the computer can be used to enhance not only the development of language skills but also cross-cultural exchanges and awareness. The chapter will describe software and web-sites that can be used to create EIL classrooms that integrate local concerns with the global use of English, both for information gathering and cross-cultural exchanges. We will also address low-technology contexts in which physical and human constraints may hinder the use of technology in teaching EIL and suggest specific ways these might be dealt with. In addition, we will address the following misconceptions about what EIL students need to learn and how they need to learn it:
Misconception #1: Technology is difficult to learn and use.
Misconception #2: Linguistic corpora are only for written language.
Misconception #3: Corpus analysis can only be done by expert researchers.
Misconception #4: Concordancing software is expensive and hard to use.
