Учебный потенциал Всемирной сети Интернет

Abstract

The World Wide Web (WWW) or the Internet is a unique learning and information environment. The article discusses the use of the Internet in teaching English to young learners. It explores the possibilities and challenges of using the Internet in teaching and learning. It provides the definition of the term “content” as well as various points of view on the terms “potential”, “educational potential” and “pedagogical potential”. Special focus is on the effective use of ICT in junior school and possible adverse effect of the WWW on young learners (irrelevant or even harmful content). The article highlights the educational potential of the Internet in teaching English to young learners. First, it is an inexhaustible source of information–British and American studies and a lot of authentic materials. Besides, the Internet is the fastest means of sharing information, it facilitates interaction between a teacher and young learners, and motivates students to develop their competence in English. The paper gives an overview of special ICT skills of an English language teacher: technical, technological, psychological, and teaching skills along with the ability to find, select and evaluate on-line resources for young learners.