What are the benefits of including ICTs in our classrooms?

From the socio-cultural approach we learn that the interaction with others makes learning possible. Social interaction is a key concept in the teaching-learning process because knowledge is constructed and reconstructed through it. Regarding ICTs,  interactivity is a quality we should highlight, despite the difference between interaction which takes place with another human being and this one that is given with a machine. Are there real benefits in including ICTs in our classrooms? I personaly think there are, without any discussion.

The positive side of including technolgy in our EFL classes can go further than improving linguistic features; personal qualities can also be improved. Activities such as podcasting, blogging, producing cell phone videos, creating online learning communities, among others, have the potential to improve linguistic features such as listening comprehension, writing and speaking skills, even learning about other cultures. Additionally, personal aspects such as autonomy, identity formation (through social networking sites), the sense of community (through the creation of online learning communities), and the understanding of other ways to socialize might be enchanced as well.

However, it is not as simple as it may look. All the actors involved in the education field should be well-trained in technical issues, but above all, always keep in mind the human and ethical side of all this scenario. This is key. We need to be committed in our formation and improvement as human beings before undertaking any pedagogical activity. ICT might become a wonderful way to socialize and learn, but without forgetting its wise and sensible use.