Read the following statements about technology in language teaching: I.Engagemen...

A variety of e-learning technologies are available for use in educational programs. In many parts of the world, education ministries and universities have invested much effort into increasing the use of the web in all its forms (for example, e-books, simulations, text messaging, podcasting. wikis, and blogs) to meet the demands of competitive markets and to bring a variety of learning choices to their learners. It has been reported that the advent of new technology has a positive influence on both learners and teachers (Mansor 2001).

Researchers (Friggard 2002; Miner 2004; Timucin 2006) have demonstrated that technology boosts the development of teaching methods as well as students' knowledge. Lam and Lawrence (2002) claim that technology provides learners with regulation of their own learning process and easy access to information the teacher may not be able to provide. The potentially positive side of incorporating technology has encouraged foreign language educators to apply its advantages to enhance pedagogical practices. However, the integration of technology in the classroom cannot be devoid of problems. Several studies have documented the advantages of technology for language learning. While the advantages of technology use are often reported, it would be naive to expect technology use to transform language teaching or learning without first encountering and overcoming some barriers.

Findings from empirical research and the literature showed that technology integration in language teaching is advocated for a variety of reasons. Awareness of the barriers to and advantages of technology in enhancing teaching certainly has implications for teacher education. Further, teachers new to technology-based learning and teaching need to understand their changed roles and responsibilities in the new modality of learning and teaching. At the same time, teachers need to bear in mind that it is pedagogy, not technology that determines learning effectiveness. To make a successful transition from traditional pedagogy to technology-enriched instruction, teachers need to alter their teaching approaches to achieve effective teaching.

Based and adapted from 'RIASATI, Mohammad Javad; ALLAHYAR, Negah; TAN, Kok-Eng. Technology in language education: Benefits and barriers. Journal of education and practice, v. 3, n. 5, p. 25-30, 2012.