Language skills with mouse clicks

Abstract

Information, processed from Knowledge, occupies center stage in this era and literacy in English is vital to deal with this information towards challenges of this digital age. A sound knowledge of English proves essential for success or prosperity not only to the dasiatechno-richpsila but also to nations struggling to meet demands of globalised economies requiring accessing and filtering such information. Information Communication Technologies (ICT) has surfaced as a benefactor towards acquisition of language skills in English to tackle challenges in education. Using ICT, it is found that adaptive and blended learning in English could contribute much towards proficiency in English, illuminating the lead to the information highway towards advancement in the knowledge economy. Where adaptive learning allows for a continuation of learning from a position, blended learning combines traditional classroom teaching with learning online or through a computer screen. Taken together, adaptive, blended learning encourages progress from a stagnant position through new technologies developed for a self-access approach. Blended learning, combining online learning and traditional approaches helps with self-learning processes. Overall, blended learning allows for mass customization with Web 2.0 and social networking, currently in vogue. Learning materials or dasialearning objectspsila used for social networking with Web 2.0, lend much support to online learning in English towards self or peer learning, working collaboratively in small groups or participating in interactive classroom sessions. This paper highlights attempts towards improving language proficiency in English of tertiary level students on the threshold of graduate courses, using a blended, adaptive learning process with Web 2.0.