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ТЕМА № 7 THE ROLE OF COMPUTERS AND THE INTERNET IN MODERN LIFE 

       Now it's impossible to imagine our life without computers. "Who invented the computer?" is not a question with a simple answer. The real answer is that many inventors contributed to the history of computers and that a computer is a complex piece of machinery made up of many parts, each of which can be considered a separate invention.

       This series covers many of the major milestones in computer history (but not all of them) with a concentration on the history of personal home computers. 
 

       From its creation in 1983 the Internet grew rapidly beyond its largely academic origin into an increasingly commercial and popular medium. The Internet is a network connecting many computers networks and based on a common addressing system and communications protocol called TCP/ IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol). By the mid-1990s the Internet connected millions of computers throughout the world. Many commercial computer network and data services also provided at least indirect connection to the Internet. Nowadays worldwide there are more than 700 000 (seven hundred million) users.

       The Internet is no longer a novelty. Amateur radio, cable television wires, spread spectrum radio, satellite, and fibre optics all have been used to deliver Internet services. Networked games, networked monetary transactions, and virtual museums are among applications being developed that both extend the network's utility and test the limits of its technology.

       Electronic mail, abbreviation E-MAIL, are messages transmitted and received by digital computers through a network. An electronic-mail, or E-mail system allows computer users on a network to send texts, graphics, sounds and animated images to other users.

       On most networks, data can be simultaneously sent to a universe of users or to a select group or individual. Network users typically have an electronic mailbox that receives, stores, and manages their correspondence. Recipients can elect to view, print, save, edit, answer, or otherwise react to communications. Many E-mail systems have advanced features that alert users to incoming messages or permit them to employ special privacy features. Large corporations and institutions use E-mail systems as an important communication link among employees and other people allowed on their networks. E-mail is also available on major public on-line and bulletin board systems, many of which maintain free or low-cost global communication networks.

       The Internet and electronic mail is widely used in Education. A lot of virtual Universities were open all over the world. Virtual universities serve as a bridge between students and institutions. They help students find out about courses and certificate programs offered at schools. They also keep a close eye on these programs to ensure that they maintain a level of quality in their teaching. Students use e-mail to communicate with their professors as well as to turn in assignments. They also have class discussions with other students using chatrooms and message boards. For students who are not entirely comfortable with computers, online tutorials are organized. No university that is concerned about its future in the 21st century can afford to overlook opportunities of distant education.

       Computers are widely used in language learning. Computer-assisted language learning (CALL) is a form of computer-based accelerated learning (ускоренное обучение) which carries two important features: bidirectional learning and individualized learning. It is not a method. CALL materials are tools for learning. The focus of CALL is learning, and not teaching. CALL materials are used in teaching to facilitate (облегчить) the language learning process. It is a student-centered accelerated learning material, which promotes self-paced accelerated learning.

       Thus, with the help of computers we can work, shop, play and communicate. We're calling this phenomenon e-life, and it's just in time. Because one day we'll just call it life.