Teachers' perception of the students' foreign language learning and the potential role of ICT

This article focuses on the learning problems that arise in the teaching of second languages. Nowadays, the introduction of new technologies in this field has had a relevant effect by offering new possibilities that did not exist in the analogue era. However, many of the learning problems persist, and one of the causes identified is the change in learning styles. The use of new technologies has fostered an experimental learning style among students. This style is incompatible with traditional classes of theory and practice, in which an intellectual effort is required to understand the theory and then put into practice what has been learned. The present work starts from this reality and tries to provide possible improvements. For this, an analysis of the main problems encountered by the learners in the various linguistic acquisition components (lexicon, grammar and processes of comprehension and production, both oral and written) has been carried out. The method used was a questionnaire answered by 113 active language teachers. After the analysis of the answers received, a series of specific problems of the teaching-learning process was enumerated and different IT applications and ICT resources were searched that could solve or at least minimize them

Teaching Pre-Service Teachers to Repurpose and Innovate Using Online and Mobile Technology Applications

Integrating the use of Web-based and mobile technology applications into K-12 world languages contexts requires innovative teacher preparation models. This chapter evaluates a multi-step technology integration unit that develops in pre-service teachers the skills necessary to plan and carry out learner-centered communicative instruction. Importantly, this unit also incorporates five skills for disruptive innovators. Pre-service teachers blend pedagogy, technology tools, and content in project-based learning lesson design while practicing creative-thinking skills. As student teachers learn to repurpose mobile applications for the language-learning classroom, they empower articulate digital natives and foster 21st century learning. Given technology\u27s constant growth, teaching integration of specific apps will have limited benefits. On the other hand, teaching how to innovate and repurpose will serve student teachers for their entire career. Results of this study show growth in lesson planning, creativity, and innovation skills

Rheumatoid factor in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

SIR, In the report by Helin et al in the Annals' the authors suggest that rheumatoid factor (RF) protects against nephropathy in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We have reviewed our series of 78 patients with SLE fulfilling the criteria of the above report for evaluating nephropathy and assaying RF. The Waaler-Rose sensitised sheep cell agglutination test was used to measure RF, with titres equal or greater than 1/64 considered positive. Both groups with and without renal disease were comparable for age and sex. A renal biopsy was performed in 38 out of 40 patients with nephropathy..