Using Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in the teaching and learning process of English as a foreign language

Abstract

Nowadays the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in Foreign Language Teaching and Learning is relevant for providing teachers and students opportunities to learn and operate in an information age. Education, particularly foreign language teaching has been adapted and renewed to be compatible with the globalized society and meet the language learners’ needs. Language education is an area where open-access resources, software, online courses, virtual classrooms, blending learning and social networks based on ICT are being increasingly used to give learners access to information, promote interaction and communication, and enhance communicative competence as well as digital literacy skills. One of the priorities of Higher Education in Cuba is the integration of ICT into the teaching and learning process, so the use of ICT in language teaching and learning has become a prerequisite to the modernization of the education system and language curricula. Therefore, using authentic material supported by technologies will help students to communicate effectively by being in contact with the English speaking countries culture.