Technology and Task-Based Language Teaching

Abstract

The inclusion of technology in language education is a standard practice today. However, not all technologies are equal, and it is essential that, if they are to be used for language learning, their design, implementation, and evaluation are guided by language development research. Among the existing methodologies for language teaching, task-based language teaching (TBLT) presents an ideal platform for informing and fully realizing the potential of technological innovations for language learning. This chapter reviews the trajectory of the merge of technologies and tasks from 2000 to today, highlighting those contributions that impacted the way we understand technology-mediated task-based language teaching today. The chapter presents current research that explores the intersection between task design issues (e.g., task complexity, language production) and innovative technologies (e.g., online multiplayer games, mobile digital augmented reality games, virtual environments). The implementation of new technologies and new language learning methodologies is never an easy and smooth process. And without a doubt, there are some difficulties and issues that still need to be resolved about technology-mediated TBLT: a clear definition and operatio-nalization of a task, a plethora of possible technologies to include in a curriculum, and the fast emergence of innovations. Finally, the chapter offers possible future directions for the field.