ABSTRACT
In recent years, the communicative revolution associated with new technology has impacted upon language and education, as with most other spheres of human existence. In this chapter, we consider arguments about the role of digital technology in language education, with particular reference to learning English and the field of English studies. Throughout this chapter, we question a central and dominant contention that new technologies transform learning, that simply by using digital technology learners will become more independent, more collaborative and more engaged and that technology is indeed the answer to all problems related to teaching and learning. We argue that technology of any kind — digital or traditional — is used within a context and within a pedagogy, that these factors contribute to any potential impact the technology might have and, in addition, that “new” technology is only new for a short time. Eventually any technology will become either commonplace or obsolete.
