Impact of ICT Resources on Addressing Listening Comprehension Needs of ESL Learners

Abstract

The benefit of digital technology is all around us and has significantly contributed to English language learning (ELL) practices. The English language proficiency of the second language learners has always been a matter of great concern. Of the four language skills, listening the fundamental skill, remains as one of the most neglected skills in classroom activities. The existing language teaching system in Kerala pays little attention to develop it. When listening comprehension (LC) of the learner is not given the right opportunity to develop it that will lead to poor language proficiency. The focus of this paper is to analyse the listening comprehension needs of English as a second language (ESL) learners in Kerala and to suggest how ICT resources can be used to address them. The paper concludes with the finding that if integrated judiciously and used appropriately, ICT resources can play a great role in developing the language proficiency and Listening comprehension of second language learners.