Using instructional technology tools to teach informational texts in Thailand

Abstract

This article examines the teaching of English as a Second Language (ESL) to medical personnel (nurses and doctors) in a hospital in Northern Thailand. The study shows that using technological devices like listening and comprehension CDs, tape recorders and the Internet to teach informational texts can help ESL learners overcomesomeoftheirlearningdifficulties.Evidencefromthestudysuggeststhatsuchapedagogicalapproach not only improves the comprehension of informational texts but also students’mastery levels of spoken and written English. The findings also reveal that such a pedagogical approach exposes students to the various nuances and differences associated with Global English awareness and understanding