TEACHING LANGUAGES IN THE DIGITAL ERA

Hana Vančová, Trnava university in Trnava, Slovakia;

Abstract: Introducing digital tools and modern technology to language learning created great expectations among teachers and learners. Technology in classrooms tends to be motivational for learners, and its presence in learners’ lives facilitates learning in and outside the classroom. Teachers and digital tool creators expected certain spheres of foreign language learning to develop in a particular way. However, using digital tools in language classrooms brought unexpected challenges and opportunities for teachers and language learners. It was possible due to innovative thinking in using educational and authentic digital tools for language learning based on applying principles of digital tool use into language learning, or, on the other hand, learners’ rejection for various reasons or infectivity of the tool. In the recent period, when technology became a vital part of learning, new insight into using digital tools in the classroom was gained. The paper aims to present the recent experiences of using digital tools in language learning and discusses ways to prepare teachers for their application in teaching practice.

Keywords: foreign language learning, technology, digital tools