Computers have become a permanent part of our lives. As a teacher of English as a Second Language (ESL), you should try to integrate computers into ESL lesson activities and plans. There are a number of ways that you can use computers for ESL, both in your planning and in your classroom. Don't rely solely on the computer, but do use it as a tool in your teaching.

Search for ESL lesson plan ideas online. Look for ideas based on your class size, age and interests. For example, if you have a very active class, look for lessons that allow for a lot of movement. Quiet or shy students may prefer lesson plans that focus on word games. Check out the Idea Cookbook at Dave's ESL Cafe (see Resources), which includes lesson plan ideas for different types of classes.

Print flash cards for use in the classroom. You can find flash cards online, usually grouped by subject, which makes tem easy to print out for a specific lesson plan. MES English (see Resources) is an excellent resource for ESL flash cards.

Allow students to play games on the computer to reinforce English knowledge. Young students in particular enjoy playing computer games. For example, with beginning classes, you can use software that's aimed at preschoolers to help learn spelling and phonics skills. Older students may enjoy word memory games.

Establish a friendship program for writing or speaking practice. Your students may feel isolated in their English studies. You can connect with another teacher of students at the same age level to work on a pen pal program. Your students can write basic letters to their pen pals and receive letters in return. You may even be able to find a class of students that is learning the native language of your students. You can also set up time for video chatting, which can help improve speaking skills.

Give students homework to practice English with their computers. To master a foreign language, students should spend time studying every day. Unfortunately, most ESL students attend class just once or twice a week. When you give students computer-based resources, they can practice their English on the days when they don't have classes and still have fun doing so.

Network with other ESL teachers for more ideas. It's easy to feel alone when you are teaching ESL, especially when you are in an area without a lot of other ESL teachers. Find forums that allow you to talk to other ESL teachers, such as the active forum at Dave's ESL Cafe.