Online Resources for Improving EFL Teaching and Learning

El presente artículo plantea el beneficio de utilizar recursos en línea en la enseñanza del inglés. Destaca que los estudiantes fortalecerán, no solo el uso de la lengua meta, sino también el de los recursos tecnológicos. Para ejemplificar, se presenta una serie de ejercicios en línea que desarrollan diversas habilidades de la lengua meta como también las ventajas y desventajas del uso de los mismos. Por último, se comparten los resultados obtenidos de una encuesta aplicada sobre el uso de recursos en línea en las clases de inglés.The benefit of using online sources in the EFL class is analyzed here starting from the perspective that this helps students improve not only their use of the language but also their use of technology. Sample online exercises focusing on the development of different language skills are described here, along with the advantages and disadvantages of using online sources. Finally, the results obtained from a survey on the use of online sources in the EFL classes are presented.

Competencies Required in Education Research and Teaching Systematization according to Students from the Preschool, Primary and Secondary Education Programs of the University of Costa Rica

The purpose of this paper is to present the results of two online forums carried out with the participation of 42 students of the Licenciaturas  in Preschool Education, Primary Education and Secondary Education of the University of Costa Rica. The main purpose of the forums was to determine the insights of the participant students about the competencies they have achieved in the field of education research, and which have been the essential tools for them to systematize their own teaching practices. The discussion forums were part of the course FD5091 Métodos de Investigación Educativa [Education Research Methods] of the School of Teacher Education, delivered from March-April 2010.  Of the sample, 60 percent were students of the Preschool teaching program, 35 percent were from the Primary Education teaching program and 5 percent were from the Secondary Education teaching program in the fields of Science, Mathematics and Social Studies. According to the insights and beliefs showed by the participants –both, the future teachers and the profession practitioners–, there are no opportunities for research or systematization of their own teaching mediation, in the current work situation.(1) Translator’s Note: In Costa Rica, the “Licenciatura” is a one-year post-Bachelor study program, usually including thesis. “Primary Education” refers to students from the 1st to 6th grades, and “Secondary Education” refers to students from the 7th to 11th grades.