APPLICATION OF ICT IN THE TEACHING OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE IN NIGERIAN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS

Abstract

The indispensability of the teaching and learning of English language in contemporary civilization is predicated on the fact that documentation, expression and transmission of knowledge are predominantly executed in the English language. Information and
Communication Technology has unprecedentedly impacted content and process of knowledge delivery in the 2I" century. The study of English as a second language is a herculean task, and this has
necessitated the deployment of varied pedagogical principles, skills, methods and teaching aids to facilitate its effective teaching and learning encounter. Fortunately, the contemporary innovation
in lCT has provided a significant fillip to further concretize English language teaching and make it more result-oriented. However, these digital teaching and learning tools such as C.D.
ROM, power point projector, e-mail, website, video discs and so on are not being effectively incorporated in the teaching of English
language in most Nigerian schools. This paper examines the imperatives of the application of lCT in the teaching of English language in Nigeria, and the problems that militate against the
integration of the digital facilities in English language teaching. The paper identifies epileptic power supply, inadequate funding of education, computer illiteracy, unavailability of leT facilities, excess academic workload on teachers as well as poor implementation of lCT policy as constraints to effective application of lCT in the teaching of English language in Nigeria. The paper recommends adequate funding, constant provision of
electricity and leT facilities, training and retraining of English
language teachers in ICT application, full implementation of national ICT policy as well as reduction of excess workloads on teachers to avail them the opportunity for self-development.