Using technology in classroom

This course would be another hard course for me on how to apply the theory of learning language with technology usage. I know that instruction would change so much and I need to research more on the suitable materials or even have to create one. Before I can go on with what I think should be done, I think I have to start with problems I have with my present Thai language program.

First of all the program is not motivated for students because they are Thai citizens and they are forced to learn it. This problem has been addressed since I joined ISB six years ago. It seems that students do not realize the important of Thai language in their every day life especially the writing and reading. Majority of them can speak fluently and survive with Thai people environment and I think they think that this is enough. They would rather spend time on other subjects than Thai because it is too difficult, the language systems are too complicated compare with English. So far, it seems to be problem in every International School in Bangkok. As a Thai teacher how can I use technology to create the awareness of writing and reading Thai is important and how they will benefit from this with their present life. It is a hard exercise.

The second thing I have in mind is to adapt the present material I have in Thai into using more of technology, such as, Smartboard, Shared material on Panthernets and Google Docs. However, I have problem with this because students always claim that they don't know how to type Thai and they don't have Thai fonts on their computer. Can anybody help me on this problem??

The third thing that I think should be done is to research on the on-line courses existing on the WEB and see how much I can adapt into my class. The last thing is that I am fear of my knowledge in handling technology. There are so many new things to learn and I have doubt to myself that how can I cope with it.

However, after I read article on 8 ways technology is improving education give me some idea. At the same time, as a teacher, I have to consider how to balance technology and traditional way of instruction. As you can see from the article growing up digital, wired for distraction and uncontrolled situation outside classroom. This might be because students are not trained or be responsible enough to stick on their study.