The Use of Technology to Enhance the Learning Experience of ESL Students

The growing numbers of ELLs (English language learners) makes the search for new effective and efficient instructional methods a priority. While several teaching methods and tools are used to help ELLs succeed in becoming proficient English speakers, technology has gained substantial attention due to the abundance of new technology tools, which are helping us, achieve more in less time and also due to our increasingly connected world. Tablets and apps are changing the nature of English language instruction. The purpose of this study is to investigate how technology tools helped ELLs become more proficient in English. Studies reviews and summaries of research published on the topic of technology tools and English language acquisition, specially focusing on the efficiency and effectiveness of technology tools in helping ELLs acquire English language will be scrutinized. Theories of second language acquisition will be used to better understand how Krashen's (1982) comprehensive input theory delivered using new technology provides learners with comprehensible materials leading to acquiring faster the language. Overall, from the current review of literature, I conclude that technology is an effective and efficient tool in helping ELLs become proficient in English. While there are several benefits, of using technology to enhance ELLs learning skills, quantitative data from various studies shows that factors such as costs and trainings are of great importance in assessing how efficient technology tools are. Thus, I will also explore relevant challenges to using technology for English language instruction.