The iPad and EFL Digital Literacy

Abstract

In future, the uses of English by non-native speakers will predominantly be online, using English language digital resources, and in computer-mediated communication with other non-native speakers of English. Thus for Korea to be competitive in the global economy, its EFL should develop L2 Digital Literacy in English. With its fast Internet connections, Korea is the most wired nation on Earth; but ICT facilities in educational institutions need reorganization. Opportunities for computer-mediated second language learning need to be increased, providing multimedia-capable, mobile web solutions that put the Internet into the hands of all students and teachers. Wi-Fi networked campuses allow any campus space to act as a wireless classroom. Every classroom should have a teacher’s computer console. All students should be provided with adequate computing facilities, that are available anywhere, anytime. Ubiquitous computing has now become feasible by providing every student on enrollment with a tablet: a Wi-Fi+3G enabled Apple iPad.

This paper expands upon research presented to NCM 2010, the 6th International Conference on Networked Computing and Advanced Information Management, under the title “Providing Every Student with an iPad as a Means of Helping Develop Korean EFL Digital Literacy”, published in the IEEE conference proceedings, pp.242–247; and further develops research presented to ICHIT 2010, the International Conference on Convergence and Hybrid Information Technology, under the title “Enabling Korean EFL Digital Literacy by Implementing Student Use of the iPad”, published in the ACM conference proceedings, pp.67–73.