Task 1: The 4 C's and Technology in ELT

1. Why do you think it is important to include the 4 C’s in language learning classes?

A: The 4 C's are vital to guiding a class and engaging the students in it. This is because all 4 of the aspects involved in the concept have a role to take in the student's mind, and while creating a critical thinking in them might be important for their future as citizens, having the abilities to communicate and collaborate would help them be a part of a society and community. Also, the use of creativity is crucial so they could learn to innovate on what they do, find new ways, and think different.

2. How do you think the 4 C’s are connected to the use of technology in the language learning classroom? 

A: Giving the student’s the chance to use technology to develop these aspects of their learning will facilitate the process, and it will also make it easier for teachers to control what they do. An emphasis can be made about the creativity aspect, since through technology students will be allowed to experiment new ways of creating content, and learn through this.

3. As a prospective teacher, what would you do to foster the 4C’s in your language classroom? Think of factors such as activities, tasks, procedures, materials, among other aspects of teaching. Provide concrete examples.

A: Students need to experience new things, and by this I mean they should make mistakes and correct them. Technology is one of the best tools we have to get the chance to do this. Examples of this seen on technological devices could be the use of Photoshop, a very useful tool to express through different images, using colors, and letting the kids’ imagination fly. As long as they understand the importance of trying new things, they will keep on doing what they like in these kinds of software. Another useful tool could be the use of blogs, in which students are able to express their thoughts and ideas in a way that they can see how others can read what they think and believe. Giving them the chance to express in this way is interesting for teachers, but most importantly, it is crucial for students, who need to always see that their opinions matter and they can share them.