Maximizing the benefit of technology for language learning

Since the advent of the information age, ongoing technological developments have significantly changed our lives. In educational settings, the prevalence of technology is also expected to bring about a revolution in learning and teaching. Governments and policymakers have injected significant amounts of resources, and support to promote the use of technology in schools. The use of information and communications technology (ICT) in learning and teaching processes is believed to benefit learners and learning in various ways and in a whole range of curriculum areas. This belief still persists although it is also known that some teachers are reluctant to use modern technology for teaching purposes and for some, ICT usage tends to be superficial (Yeung et al. 2012b). In this chapter, we focus on the use of ICT in language learning. We first identify critical issues related to the use of ICT in language learning and teaching, and then attempt to suggest possible ways to maximise the benefit of ICT application for language learning.