Abstract:

During the last decade technology has influenced the way we teach, interact and learn. Even though computer assisted language learning (CALL) has been researched and developed since the early 1980s, some will claim that it has proven difficult to implement technology and make actually use of it in the language classroom. What are the specific challenges when it comes to technology enhanced language learning? Are there ways to avoid just digitalizing conservative teaching methods, and make technology work for us in the language classroom? And ultimately; will new technology in the classroom improve language learning?

During the period December 2012-2014, Sør-Trøndelag University College (HiST) managed a EU cofunded project called iLike. iLike targeted English as a Foreign Language (EFL) for students aged 13-18. The main aim of iLike was to investigate questions like the ones raised above, and to develop a innovative response tool to engage, motivate and structure students towards learning grammar in EFL.

This article will present the background for the project and explain how the tool works. Through presenting a case used in class, the article will point at challenges and propose ways to overhode these. The article will present qualitative and quantitative results obtained during and after the projects end, and suggest further developments to further improve both the methodology and the software.

Keywords:

Language learning, EFL, CALL, response technology.