Your textbooks, videos, cds, interactive exercises are all here!

Computer assisted language learning has been around for quite awhile. But, developments in the new netbook computers, which are easier to carry and less expensive than the bigger models, have been a dream come true for use with small groups of two or one-on-one coaching or mentoring lessons.

I have found the light-weight netbook powerful enough to show videos, do interactive exercises, and work with music. Moreover, I was surprised to see that my students, whether children or adults, actually seemed to be able to write better with a keyboard. I think this is because they, here I’m talking about the adults, use computers in their jobs and therefore have become accustomed to thinking as they write. (It also makes correction a lot easier and rewarding for teacher and student.)

If one gets a wireless connection, it is possible to connect to the internet and access some really great interactive sites, such as the BBC Learning English website  and YouTube, as well as your own website/blog where you can have material for your class already prepared.

Have any of you had experience using computers in your English language teaching, especially with larger groups? What was your experience like? Please share your experiences in the comment box below.