It appears that computers have become an integral part of the education system,
and language learning has not been excluded.  This guide has examined the various
aspects of the Internet, and suggested possible uses of each in the ESL classroom.

Even though the Internet is a wonderful resource to be taken advantage of, none
the less it still has many drawbacks.  Many schools are still off-line, and in a foreign
setting, where the technology would be most useful, a good portion of the schools are not
connected to the Internet, nor do they have the resources to do so.

At the present rate of growth, the Internet will soon be available and hopefully
more affordable to all who wish to learn.  New software and upgrades are churning out at
an astonishing rate, and I sense that in the coming years the ESL/EFL classroom will be
changed considerably.  Computers will be integrated into the curriculum; communication
will be instantaneous with the hindrance of lag time having been eliminated; radio and
television will be on-line with few or no breaks and choppiness; video imaging will be
perfect or near perfect.  Students will be able to have an authentic language experience
within the confines of the lab.  There will be an opportunity for students to practice with
and learn from other students and native speakers from around the globe--a truly global
community.

All this said, it definitely places a great load on ESL/EFL teachers, as they are the
ones who are supposed to know, use and teach with this technology.  However, it is the
trend of the future, and teachers must prepare themselves.  A fortunate circumstance is
that many courses are now being offered, both on-line and through more traditional
methods, to aid the computer impoverished, and bring them up-to-date.  And so, no
longer armed with the pen, the new teacher shall go forth armed with...a mouse!