Technology-enhanced collaborative language learning: theoretical foundations, technologies, and implications

Abstract

With the emergence of educational technology, technology-enhanced collaborative language learning had gained increasing attention from learners, educators, and researchers, and a large number of studies had been conducted to investigate the effects of technology-enhanced collaborative learning on students’ development of language knowledge and affective status. However, little comprehensive review that investigated all aspects of the field thoroughly had been conducted, and the present research was an attempt in response to this call. Specifically, this research reviewed 40 articles on technology-enhanced collaborative language learning from five aspects, (1) the nature of publications, (2) the theoretical frameworks of the previous research, (3) the types of the technologies for collaborative language learning, (4) the effectiveness of the technologies, and (5) the implications of the studies. The results showed 10 theoretical frameworks, nine types of technologies, and 11 benefits of technology-enhanced collaborative language learning. Important implications were also discussed for future design and implementation of technology-enhanced collaborative language learning activities.

Keywords:

• Collaborative learning
• computer assisted language learning
• educational technology
• mobile assisted language learning

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Fan Su

Fan Su is an EdD student at The Education University of Hong Kong. Her research interests include second-language writing and technology-enhanced language learning.

Di Zou

Di Zou is an Assistant Professor at The Education University of Hong Kong. Her research interests include second-language acquisition, technology-enhanced language learning, game-based language learning and flipped classroom. She has published more than 30 research papers in international journals and books, including Computers & Education, Computer Assisted Language Learning, Language Teaching Research, and British Journal of Educational Technology.