The Role of Technology in Foreign Language Learning - StarTalk

Handout 5
Best Practices for Technology Use in the Classroom
Frank et al. (2008) also summarized best practices for using technology in a foreign language
classroom related to the functionalities listed above. The following table provides a summary of
best practices, with the desired outcomes in the left‐hand column and the suggested
technology in the right‐hand column.
In order to…
maximize target language practice
maximize the efficiency of classroom contact
time with the teacher
enable customization, shareability, reusability,
and anytime/anywhere access to target
language content and instructional materials
archive and analyze interaction, learner
output, and incorporation of feedback, and to
individualize subsequent input and feedback
motivate students and engage them in
meaningful target language use
Use technologies such as…
written chat, outside the classroom
computer‐assisted pronunciation training,
outside of the classroom
course management systems, natural
language processing tools, and mobile devices
intelligent tutoring systems, ePortfolios, and
natural language processing tools
ad hoc networks and serious games
Adapted from Frank et al., 2008, Table 1, p. 2.
References
Frank, V., Golonka, E., Bowles, A., Becker, E., Freynick, S., & Richardson, D. (2008). Optimal
foreign language learning: The role of technology. College Park, MD: Center for
Advanced Study of Language at the University of Maryland.
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