Technology can often be overwhelming to both student and teacher alike and where computers are concerned, it can be an imposing instrument. The complexity of the computer, not to mention the vast choice of possibilities, can put students and teache

Baker, Colin (1996). Foundations of bilingual education and bilingualism. 2nd Edition. Bristol, PA: Multilingual Matters Ltd.

Although politics in and of itself does not directly influence the ability of the learner to learn a second language, it does indirectly influence its acceptability and the accessibility of resources and funding for language programs. Recently, there has been a backlash towards bilingual education in America that has reached our highest institution of Congress. Bob Dole, senator from Kansas puts forth this attitude in his statement, "Alternative language education should stop and English should be acknowledged once and for all as the official language of the United States. Schools should provide the language classes our immigrants and their families need, as long as their purpose is the teaching of English . . . But we must stop the practice of multilingual education as a means of instilling ethnic pride or as therapy for low self -esteem or out of elitist guilt over a culture built on the traditions of the West." Dole is not alone with his condemnation of bilingual education. In addition there are 17 co-sponsors of a bill sponsored by Sen. Richard C. Shelby (R-Ala.) which requires that all government business be conducted in English and all public documents be in English with exceptions for public health and safety services and some judicial proceedings. However, the reality of the situation shows that increased multilingualism is evident all around the country. As of 1993, in New York City schools more than 185 different languages were spoken. In merely one Los Angeles school 60 different languages were spoken in the homes of students. And in Fairfax County, Northern Virginia a full 187 different tongues were spoken. Nationally, the number of limited English speakers grew from 70% from 1984 to 1993 with 2.7 million students. About three-quarters are native Spanish-speakers, according to a 1994 survey conducted by the U.S. Department of Education. And thus begins our dilemma. How can the language learner learn new concepts and ideas if it is not taught to him in the language he is academically strongest in. The failure of many to understand this principle is at the heart of the anti-bilingual attitude in America. Americans complain of an uneducated immigrant population, yet denies them the ability to become an educated populous in their native language, which research has shown is the best way. It is important that immigrants should be required to learn the English language but they must be given the time needed to do so. If we force them to learn science, math, history and other content areas in a language they can barely read or speak, can we actually assume they will learn? All this controversy has its affect on the learner. It puts them at a disadvantage for resources as well putting them in the center of a heated debate where they could be the victim of prejudice and isolation.

rs off as they loose time grappling with how to use the computer. Yet, the learning curve aside, computers can be valuable assets in the classroom. Computers being used as a tool to further a learning goal is not an entirely new phenomenon in our society. Although, their use in the classroom as a tool for second language acquisition can be said to be a fairly recent occurrence and thus deserves to be looked at as a factor in promoting the learning of a second language. Computers are wonderful instruments and can complement other learning tools in the classroom such as textbooks, VCR's, blackboards, etc. But we need to be careful that the computer itself doesn't become the center of the attention, rather that it is used in promoting learning in ways other technology can not. For some tasks, computers can provide distinct advantages over more traditional approaches. The use of a computer for listening exercises often provides not only sound, but also visual input providing students with mo

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Approximate Word count = 2725
Approximate Pages = 11 (250 words per page double spaced)