Module 6: Integrating Digital Technologies in ELT
Module Overview
The landscape of education is constantly evolving, and English Language Teaching is no exception. Digital technologies offer powerful tools to enhance engagement, provide authentic input, personalize learning, and extend learning beyond the classroom walls. This module explores the effective integration of technology into ELT. We will survey a range of digital tools—from Learning Management Systems (LMS) and AI-powered assistants to gamification platforms and interactive whiteboards. We will discuss pedagogical models like blended learning and the flipped classroom, examine practical ways to use technology for teaching all four skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing), and address best practices and potential challenges (like access and digital literacy).
Learning Objectives
By the end of this module, you will be able to:
- Identify a variety of digital tools and platforms relevant to ELT and explain their potential pedagogical benefits.
- Evaluate the suitability of different technologies for specific language learning objectives and learner contexts.
- Describe pedagogical models for integrating technology, such as blended learning and the flipped classroom.
- Design engaging learning activities that effectively incorporate digital tools for teaching listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
- Critically assess the benefits and challenges of using technology, including AI, in the ELT classroom.
- Develop strategies for responsible and effective technology integration, considering factors like access, digital citizenship, and teacher training.
6.1 The Why and How of Technology in ELT
Thoughtful integration of digital tools can significantly enhance the language learning experience:
Why Integrate Technology?
- Access to Authentic Materials: The internet provides unparalleled access to real-world English resources (news articles, videos, podcasts, songs, social media) that expose learners to authentic language use and diverse cultural contexts.
- Increased Engagement & Motivation: Interactive tools, games, multimedia content, and opportunities for online collaboration can make learning more dynamic, engaging, and motivating for digital-native learners.
- Personalization & Differentiation: Adaptive learning platforms, AI tutors, and curated online resources allow learners to work at their own pace, focus on specific needs, and receive personalized feedback.
- Development of 21st-Century Skills: Using technology in the classroom helps learners develop crucial digital literacy skills needed for academic, professional, and personal life in the modern world.
- Flexibility & Accessibility: Online tools enable learning anytime, anywhere, supporting blended learning models and providing access for remote learners.
- Enhanced Feedback: Tools like grammar checkers, pronunciation apps, and AI assistants can provide immediate feedback, supplementing teacher feedback.
Key Considerations (The How)
Effective technology integration is not about using tech for tech's sake. It requires pedagogical purpose (SAMR model - Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, Redefinition - can be a useful framework here):
- Substitution: Tech acts as a direct tool substitute, with no functional change (e.g., typing an essay instead of handwriting).
- Augmentation: Tech acts as a direct tool substitute, with functional improvement (e.g., using a spell checker while typing).
- Modification: Tech allows for significant task redesign (e.g., using collaborative online documents for peer review).
- Redefinition: Tech allows for the creation of new tasks, previously inconceivable (e.g., creating a multimedia presentation involving global collaboration).
Teachers should aim for modification and redefinition where appropriate, ensuring technology enhances learning outcomes, not just replaces traditional methods.
SAMR Reflection
Think of one way you currently use (or could use) technology in teaching. Where does it fit on the SAMR model? How could you potentially move it up a level?
6.2 A Toolkit for the Digital ELT Classroom
The range of available tools is vast. Here's a categorization based on the original document, with elaborations:
| Category | Examples | Potential ELT Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Learning Management Systems (LMS) | Google Classroom, Moodle, Canvas, Schoology | Course organization, assignment submission, grading, discussion forums, resource sharing, communication hub. |
| AI-Powered Tools | ChatGPT, Google Bard, Grammarly, QuillBot | Generating lesson ideas/materials, providing writing feedback (grammar, style), creating quizzes, chatbot practice partners, text simplification, translation support. |
| Gamification Platforms | Kahoot!, Quizizz, Wordwall, Blooket, Quizlet | Interactive quizzes, vocabulary games, formative assessment, review activities, increasing motivation through competition/rewards. |
| Virtual Classrooms/Video Conferencing | Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams | Online synchronous lessons, breakout rooms for pair/group work, screen sharing, virtual office hours, guest speakers. |
| Collaborative & Creative Tools | Padlet, Google Docs/Slides, Jamboard, Canva | Collaborative brainstorming/writing, shared presentations, digital posters, interactive whiteboarding, mind mapping, creating infographics or simple videos. |
| Pronunciation & Speaking Apps | ELSA Speak, Speechling, Forvo, YouGlish | Pronunciation practice with feedback (AI-based), recording/analyzing speech, listening to native speaker pronunciation of specific words/phrases, finding video contexts for words. |
| Reading & Listening Resources | Newsela, ReadTheory, ESL-Lab, TED-Ed, LyricsTraining | Graded reading/listening materials, authentic news articles adapted for levels, interactive video lessons, listening quizzes, learning through songs. |
| Digital Dictionaries & Corpora | Online dictionaries (OALD, Merriam-Webster), COCA, Sketch Engine | Looking up words, exploring collocations and usage patterns, understanding word frequency, analyzing real language data. |
Tool Exploration
Choose one category from the table. Use a web search to find one specific tool within that category not listed above. Briefly describe its function and suggest one specific ELT activity where it could be used.
6.3 Using Technology to Teach the Four Skills
Technology can enhance the teaching of each language skill:
Listening
- Access vast libraries of authentic audio/video (podcasts, news, interviews, songs).
- Use platforms with interactive transcripts, speed controls, and integrated quizzes (e.g., LyricsTraining, FluentU, TED-Ed lessons).
- Utilize tools like ESL-Lab for graded listening practice.
Speaking
- Use pronunciation apps (ELSA Speak) for targeted feedback.
- Record learners speaking (e.g., using Vocaroo or smartphone) for self/peer/teacher analysis.
- Utilize video conferencing breakout rooms for pair/group speaking practice.
- Engage with chatbots for low-pressure conversation practice.
- Use YouGlish to hear how words/phrases are pronounced in context.
Reading
- Access online articles, e-books, blogs, and news sites (authentic materials).
- Use platforms like Newsela for texts adapted to different reading levels.
- Employ digital annotation tools (e.g., Hypothesis, Kami) for collaborative reading and discussion.
- Utilize online dictionaries and thesauruses easily.
Writing
- Use collaborative writing tools (Google Docs) for peer feedback and group projects.
- Employ grammar/style checkers (Grammarly) for automated feedback (teaching learners how to interpret this feedback critically is key).
- Utilize blogging platforms or Padlet for sharing writing with a wider audience.
- Use AI tools (cautiously) for brainstorming or generating sentence variations.
6.4 Pedagogical Models for Tech Integration
Beyond specific tools, consider broader models:
1. Blended Learning
- Concept: Strategically combines face-to-face instruction with online learning components.
- Models: Rotational models (students rotate through online and offline stations), Flex model (mostly online with teacher support), A La Carte model (students take specific courses online alongside traditional classes), Enriched Virtual model (students complete most coursework online but attend occasional face-to-face sessions).
- Benefits: Flexibility, personalization, potential for deeper learning by combining strengths of both modes.
2. Flipped Classroom
- Concept: Reverses traditional teaching: direct instruction (e.g., lecture content via video) is consumed outside class, while class time is used for active learning (practice, discussion, problem-solving, projects) with teacher support.
- Benefits: Maximizes interactive class time, promotes learner autonomy, allows teachers to provide more personalized support during activities.
- Implementation: Requires careful selection/creation of pre-class materials and well-structured in-class tasks.
3. Gamification
- Concept: Applying game-design elements (points, badges, leaderboards, challenges, narratives) to non-game contexts (like learning) to increase engagement and motivation.
- Implementation: Using platforms like Kahoot!/Quizizz, setting up point systems in the LMS, creating learning quests or challenges.
- Caution: Needs to be pedagogically sound; focus should remain on learning outcomes, not just the game mechanics.
4. CALL (Computer-Assisted Language Learning) & MALL (Mobile-Assisted Language Learning)
Broader terms encompassing the use of computers and mobile devices for language learning. Includes everything from dedicated software and apps to using general productivity tools for language tasks.
Model Brainstorm
Choose either Blended Learning or Flipped Classroom. How could you apply this model to teach a specific ELT topic (e.g., Present Perfect tense, writing a formal email)?
6.5 Best Practices and Navigating Challenges
Best Practices
- Start Small & Simple: Don't try to implement too many new tools at once.
- Focus on Pedagogy: Choose tools that genuinely enhance learning goals, not just because they are new or flashy.
- Provide Training & Support: Ensure both teachers and students know how to use the tools effectively and troubleshoot basic issues.
- Consider Access & Equity: Be mindful of students' access to devices and internet connectivity. Have backup plans or low-tech alternatives.
- Teach Digital Citizenship: Address issues like online safety, responsible AI use, plagiarism, and evaluating online information.
- Integrate, Don't Isolate: Weave technology into lessons naturally, rather than having isolated "tech time."
- Balance Screen Time: Combine digital and non-digital activities for a healthy learning environment.
- Evaluate Effectiveness: Regularly assess whether technology use is enhancing learning outcomes.
Common Challenges and Solutions
| Challenge | Solution |
|---|---|
| Limited access to technology | Use station rotation models, pair/group work on shared devices, offline alternatives, mobile-friendly options. |
| Technical difficulties | Have backup plans, test tools before class, create simple troubleshooting guides, partner tech-savvy students with others. |
| Teacher confidence/skills | Start with user-friendly tools, seek professional development, create a support network with colleagues. |
| Student distraction | Set clear expectations, use monitoring tools, create engaging tasks, teach digital self-regulation. |
| Overreliance on technology | Balance digital and non-digital activities, focus on learning objectives rather than tools. |
| Plagiarism and AI-generated work | Teach ethical use, design assignments that require personal input, use process-based assessment. |
Challenge-Solution Scenario
You're teaching in a context where half your students have reliable internet access at home and half don't. You want to implement some digital learning components. What specific strategies could you use to ensure equitable learning opportunities for all students?
6.6 Practical Applications: Sample Tech-Integrated Lesson
Lesson Topic: Describing People
Lesson Plan
- Warm-up (5 min)
- Show an AI-generated image of a person and ask: "How would you describe them?"
- Collect initial vocabulary on a digital whiteboard (Jamboard).
- Vocabulary Building (10 min)
- Use Quizizz to introduce and practice adjectives for descriptions (e.g., tall, friendly, energetic).
- Students complete the interactive quiz on their devices or in pairs.
- Listening & Speaking (15 min)
- Students watch a YouTube video about describing people's appearance and personality.
- In breakout rooms (Zoom) or pairs, students practice describing celebrities using the new vocabulary.
- Optional: Use an AI speech tool (e.g., ELSA Speak) to practice pronunciation of difficult words.
- Writing Task (15 min)
- Students use Google Docs to write a paragraph describing a friend or family member.
- They can use Grammarly to check their writing for errors.
- Peer Review (10 min)
- Students exchange work via Google Docs and provide comments on their partner's writing.
- Focus on vocabulary use, descriptive details, and organization.
- Extension/Homework
- Create a digital "Wanted" poster for a fictional character using Canva, incorporating descriptive language.
- Share in a class Padlet gallery.
Lesson Adaptation Activity
Choose a traditional language learning activity (e.g., vocabulary flashcards, grammar drill, reading comprehension). How could you transform it using technology to make it more engaging, effective, or aligned with real-world language use? Consider which level of the SAMR model your adaptation represents.
6.7 Module Summary and Key Takeaways
- Technology integration in ELT should be driven by pedagogical goals, not just novelty.
- The SAMR model provides a framework for evaluating how technology transforms learning tasks.
- A wide range of digital tools can enhance teaching of all four language skills.
- Pedagogical models like blended learning and flipped classroom offer structured approaches to technology integration.
- Effective technology use requires addressing challenges related to access, training, and appropriate implementation.
- Best practices include starting small, focusing on learning outcomes, providing support, and considering equity.
6.8 Assessment and Reflection
Quiz: Check Your Understanding
1. According to the SAMR model, which level represents a fundamental change in the nature of a task that would be impossible without technology?
2. Which of the following is an example of blended learning?
3. How can AI tools best support writing instruction?
4. When implementing technology in contexts with limited resources, which approach is most appropriate?
Reflection Journal Prompt
Consider your own teaching context (current or future). What is one specific way you could integrate technology to address a particular learning challenge or enhance a specific aspect of language teaching? What support or resources would you need to implement this effectively?
6.9 Additional Resources & Further Exploration
- Books:
- Teaching and Researching Computer-Assisted Language Learning – Ken Beatty
- Blended Learning in English Language Teaching – Pete Sharma & Barney Barrett
- Digital Language Learning and Teaching – Michael Carrier et al.
- Websites:
- Online Communities:
- TESOL Technology Interest Section
- IATEFL Learning Technologies Special Interest Group
- ELT Tech Educators group on Facebook