Three Articles to Work On-line

Language Acquisition theories are left aside after having teaching for more than 15 years. When reading the article Using Internet-Based Children's Literature to Teach EFL (2007), by Larry J. Mikulecky. 
http://iteslj.org/Techniques/Mikulecky-OnlineChildrensLit.html, L.A. Theories came to my mind. The way children acquire a language is forgotten when we become adults and for Foreign Language teachers is a great help. Thus, the tips the article offers are worthwhile to remember:

• Ask students with access to younger relatives to read and teach the English stories to their younger relatives.
• Ask future teachers of English to read simple stories and then design lessons for younger students.
• Ask students to keep a list of what they have read, brief summaries of stories or chapters, and new vocabulary learned.
• Have students do presentations on stories to "sell" them to other students.
• Have students create their own simple stories in English, possibly with illustrations.

The article Three Extensive Reading Activities for ESL/EFL Students Using E-books (2004)

http://iteslj.org/Lessons/Liang-ExtensiveReading.html  offers very nice activities to work with students and e-books. The study guides present a list of questions that can be profitable for teachers to prepare lessons:

1. What is the title of this story?
2. What type of story is it?
3. Who is the main character in this story?
4. Is it suitable for me, too easy or too difficult?
5. Is this book interesting to me?

1. Who is in the story?
2. Where does the story take place?
3. When does it happen?
4. What is it about?
5. How does it turn out?

1. What are the main characters like?
2. How does the setting affect the characters?
3. What are the unexpected developments or problems in the story?
4. How did the author create the mood (the overall impression)?
5. What is the lesson of the story?

1. Does this book tell a good story? Is this story original and fresh?
2. How well do events build to a climax? Are these events plausible and logical?
3. Does the theme emerge naturally from the story or overpower the story?
4. How well are the characters developed? Are they convincing or stereotyped?
5. How does the style of writing compare with other books?

1. Do we have to consider other aspects than the text itself?
2. How well designed is this book? Is it aesthetically satisfying?
3. Do the sound or the graphics enhance the story?
4. What is the quality of the web pages?
5. How are the parts of the story presented and linked?

Using the Internet in ESL Writing Instruction (2000) http://iteslj.org/Techniques/Krajka-WritingUsingNet.html  reflects on the wide range of possibilities internet provides teachers when preparing a writing lesson and the three internet components the author takes into account to prepare a lesson. The author considers the role of the teacher, the resources needed, the inclusion of technology into the curriculum and the benefits of on-line instruction.

The three articles offer variety, authenticity and updates material for teachers to prepare their lessons. Students can be more motivated and they may have the opportunity to work with realia or do different activities to learn the language.