Applying ICTs as a motivational tool in a Secondary School classroom

Abstract

The area of English language instruction is very dynamic and, during decades, the way of teaching has been evolving continuously, changing from one methodology to another, and looking for the perfect way to teach a language. Currently, thanks to the rise of new technologies, huge possibilities of improving teaching practices have appeared, as technology offers a wide range of materials and options available and prepared to be used in the teaching and learning process. Taking this into consideration, the purpose of this study is to review the main language teaching methods along history up to the present day, focusing on the use of Information and Communication Technologies in second language learning. Then, the main focus will be on motivation when using technology while developing a writing task with the web application Padlet, trying to demonstrate, therefore, the usefulness of technological resources. Finally, it can be concluded that, commonly, this kind of virtual resources may have beneficial effects, as they increase students’ motivation and, later, this can be reflected positively in their results. Technology used in the proper way would be very beneficial both for practitioners and for learners; for that reason, Information and Communication Technologies may help to find the best teaching method.