Is the Internet a device for teleportation?...Not yet!

                    We are becoming increasingly more aware about how technology influences social trends. These social trends in turn affect much of how society is organized and do ultimately affect present and future teaching and learning.  Let’s take the case of second language learning, shall we? If we now have sophisticated voice to text translation with electronic translators, how might this affect how languages are taught and learned in our schools? Greatly, I say, and the discussion about how and what second language learning should be will take on new dimensions, as it already has.
                   One area within second language learning that is always a component to language study is the study of culture. How to “teach” culture, or how to encourage cultural awareness among learners is an area that World Language teachers have been grappling with for years. How to teach an awareness of something quite intangible as culture and cultural awareness? This is an area which cannot be learned through interaction with technology. It simply must be experienced through social interaction in real time, not Internet time. There is no doubt that greater social connections between cultures will be enhanced through the use of Internet social sites. Although much may be learned and interpreted and strong connections forged through social sites on the Internet, culture is something that must be experienced in the physical, first hand. We most certainly can look to the Internet as a source for greater enhancement to our learning about other cultures (and even other subcultures within our own culture.) We can also look for the Internet to create it’s own culture of netizens as it it currently doing, and this will be a common point of connection for us all as global Internet netizens. But, presently does the Internet have all the powers that we need for teaching and learning? In the case of culture, does the Internet have all the superhero powers that we need for teaching and learning ? The Internet is not a device for teleportation, (even the best virtual programs aren't there yet!) We presently cannot physically bring worlds and cultures together in ways that will support our understanding of culture.
                   Yes, indeed smiles can meet smiles on the Internet, but....... hands cannot shake, and arms cannot embrace on the Internet....... just yet.