New technologies as tools to support maritime technical english teaching – A revision of current use

Abstract

[Abstract] The new information and communications technologies must become a standard tool in supporting language teaching within the context of the university. The use of such technology was not widely accepted until very recently. This was probably due to, among other factors, the lack of available equipment in centres as well as the lack of expertise in operating such equipment on behalf of the instructor. The initial reluctance by language teachers in general, and maritime English teaching in particular, to incorporate the new technologies into their teaching and learning methodologies has been overcome, as there are signs of significant improvement and innovation in adapting to these new teaching tools. This article presents an overview of the ways in which maritime English teaching is currently adapting to the new teaching context of ICT, computer labs, and simulations, taking into consideration their need to provide instruction through a common language in order to improve the quality, safety and security of maritime operations.