The use of innovative technologies in the English language classroom

Abstract

The area of English language instruction is very dynamic and, during decades, teaching methods have evolved continuously, changing from one to the other and looking for the perfect way to teach a language. Nowadays, with the emergence of new technologies, huge possibilities of improving teaching practices have appeared, since 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, some activities using the virtual platform Kahoot! have been proposed in order to demonstrate the usefulness of technological resources. Finally, it can be concluded that, commonly, this kind of virtual resources may have good 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 and, for that reason, Information and Communication Technologies may help to find the best teaching method.