Southern New Hampshire University Learning Online EFL 537 Professor: Jeff Lebow Student: Tong Hung Tam Using Technology To Teaching Pronunciation and Speaking Skills http://www2.nkfust.edu.tw/%7Eemchen/CALL/unit6.htm#role 1. The role of speaking in second language acquisition: As we know, speaking and pronunciation have a tight relationship together. In speech producing process, speakers have to use speaking and pronunciation skills. Therefore, the speech that is meaningful or not depends on the language the speakers use and the way they pronounce, the more correct they use, the successful of the speech they will create. To make sure if the language they use is suitable to the circumstance, we often mention to the negotiation of meaning in the speech. Sometimes we can write or read language correctly but we may fail in communication because we cannot achieve the goal we want in using language incorrectly. However, we can solve these problems by using modern technology as well as select and combine suitable methods and techniques in teaching speaking and pronunciation skills. 2. To make teaching pronunciation and speaking skills more effectively, there are many ways and one of the most popular ways is using technology in designing the lessons and teaching in class. To achieve that goal, the teachers have to know the level of their students, the course, the language they want to get after finishing the course, the size of the class, the teachers have to know the target language in the course so that the teachers know exactly what they will and have suitable activities in each step of the lesson. If the teachers can use technology in teaching speaking and pronunciation skills creatively, they can attract their students in learning and motive them in different stages. 3. Nobody can deny that the role of teaching pronunciation kills but in the past it considered not important enough for the teachers and learners to concentrate so for a long time it is ignored and the result was most conversations emphasized on fluency only. Nowadays, following the communicative competence, we do not only mention accuracy but also fluency. By using technology, the teachers can help students notice how to pronounce and look at the examples for illustration to make sentences by themselves. When students listen to the radios or video clips, watch the short films, rehearse the plays, they get the function of languages, develop four skills, feel confident in communication, monitor the speech, and in learning process that all make them reach the goal of communication effectively. Using computers or projectors in class, the teachers can organize different activities and create learning environment, give students opportunities in using languages, encourage students to do and correct themselves. The teachers can have different choices in teaching and selecting as well as reusing the sounds, pictures, languages, activities and exercises many times. The teachers also check students’ understanding by giving models for students to compare. 4. How to apply technology in teaching is not easy. The teachers always have to learn to update information and new technology to teach better. To get good result, the teachers should be flexible and creative in applying new things in teaching. Besides, they have to face a lot of challenges but interesting in new technologies to teach language.