The Use of Technology In-and-outside Second Language Classrooms: How, What, and Why?

The growing popularity of computer-mediated communication (CMC) has given rise to virtually endless possibilities for second language (L2) teaching and learning. For one, computer-mediated tasks allow learners to work at their own pace, while maintaining the anonymity of the interlocutor(s). Such anonymity in turn lowers learners’ anxiety level(s) and arouses their interest in participation, resulting in a higher level of learner autonomy (Bhatia & Ritchie, 2009). A case in point would be computer-mediated instruction of L2 writing using Wikis. More specifically, multiple participants can edit a piece of writing and leave comments outside of the second language (L2) classroom; instead, learners write extensively via such media as blogs. This has shown (e.g., Nonaka, 2011; Sato, 2008) to have a positive effect on increasing the learner’s level motivation