Learning to Learn Languages with ICT - But How?

Abstract

The huge potential of ICT (Information and Communication Technology) in foreign language teaching and learning barely needs restating—indeed it has become almost ubiquitous in many situations. However, it is often promoted for the wrong reasons at all levels, from governments to institutions to teachers, and despite the plethora of research, results as far as learners are concerned are often disappointing: ICT does not necessarily increase motivation, and learners tend to lack sufficient autonomy to make the most of it without specific training. This paper retraces a number of our own experiences with ICT in a variety of contexts in order to examine what goes wrong when learners are left to their own devices. It then discusses possible ways forward in integrating ICT fully into language learning courses.