Teaching with Technology: Putting the 'enhanced' into Technology Enhanced Language Learning (and Teaching).

Abstract

The use of technology in language teaching and learning has been rising in popularity with rapid developments in technology as well as increased need due to the recent coronavirus pandemic. Moreover, the sheer number of technologies available and the choices with how to implement them can be quite daunting for teachers, particularly those who are new to teaching, or have limited experience with technology. Within the field of Technology Enhanced Language Learning (TELL), it is essential to establish the meaning of ‘enhanced’ and understand how digital practices can be effectively implemented to indeed ‘enhance’ pedagogical practices and contribute to student learning. 
 In this article, specific technologies implemented in a Master of TESOL university course are presented and evaluated using the TPACK framework (Mishra & Koehler, 2006). Padlet, Video recordings, chat forums and shared documents were effectively implemented to ‘enhance’ the learning through the potential increase in motivation, increased opportunities for participation and through applying language skills to higher order thinking tasks. Additional activity ideas for TELL in TESOL contexts are presented along with considerations for classroom teachers. The evaluation and discussion of these technologies highlight the benefits of TELL and the importance of purposefully choosing technologies based on pedagogical goals.