At the beginning of book, the author presents some researches made by FSI, telling that four years of second language study at university are not sufficient to obtain functional proficiency. As a second language learner, I agree with the view that estimated by FSI. I have been studying English for more than 12 years. With such a long time learning experience, I still think that my English proficiency is not as good as it's supposed to. We had English classes several times each week, however, without target language speaking environment, it's still difficult for L2 language learners to improve his or her English level. And only a few students can get the opportunity to go abroad to have some internship program, which is the most expensive method of acquiring linguistic competence in another language. Based on this situation, the author notes that "Technology, then if used wisely, could play a major role in enhancing L2 learners' contact with the target language, especially in the absence of study abroad".Therefore, the principal focus of this book is to discuss how technology can best be employed in the foreign-language curriculum in order to enhance and enrich the learners' contact with the target language and thereby assist the SLA process.
In this book, Blake claims "a second language is best learned and taught through interaction". And also, the author quotes Pica, Kanagy, and Falodun's statement, which is " Language learning is assisted through social interaction of learners and their interlocutors, particularly when they negotiate toward mutual comprehension of each other's message meaning". However, a question of whether technology can offer the L2 curriculum certain benefits within this theoretical framework, and if so, how does it go has been brought forward. To this question, some hold the opinion that computers are not human and cannot interact with anyone in the sense that two human beings can. However, Blake disagrees with the view and then he presents a research done by Reeves and Nass (1996,5) which reveals that computers can make a significant contribution to the SLA process because the students themselves feel that they are interacting with the computer in a real social manner.Then, the writer focuses on why certain technological tools should be integrated into the L2 curriculum and what potential contribution these tools stand to make to any given language program. One of the reason why technological tools is important provided by Blake is that technological tool like Internet not only can allow students to gain access to authentic L2 materials but also can gives all peoples a channel to express their voice, promote their self-image, and legitimize their goals. Therefore, technology become a good way to assist L2 learner to interact with others.
Above is my review of Chapter one and all those ideas discussed impress me a lot. After reading the article, I am more favored of using technological tools in my future teaching. I believe it will enhance my teaching efficiency in the future.
I enjoyed reading your review of chapter 1. As you have pointed out the more we can use the Internet to promote social interaction or interaction with authentic materials, the better it will be for our students.
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