Advantages and disadvantages of using computer network technology in language teaching

Vu Tuong Vi(*), (*) MA., Department of English-American Language and Culture, College of Foreign Languages - VNU., Computer technology has been used in, language teaching since the 1980’s., However, with the advent of Internet, the, computer has been transformed from a tool, for information processing and display to a, tool for information processing and, communication. The instant worldwide, connections enabled by the Internet have, changed the way teachers and learners work, in their teaching and learning of, second/foreign language. Indeed, the use of, the Internet and the World Wide Web in, second and foreign language instruction has, been increasingly recognized. A number of, applications of computer network technology, have been utilized such as multimedia, email, electronic journals, databases, World, Wide Web, chat, audio and video, conferencing etc. This paper will investigate, both advantages and disadvantages of, incorporating such technology in language, courses., The computer network has offered, language teachers and learners a source of, authentic materials, tools for communication, and collaboration and tools for improving, language skills. First and foremost, the, computer networked learning environmen