ABSTRACT
Arguably, the two standout innovations in ELT at present are technology enhanced language learning, and the teaching of English to young learners (TEYL). Private language schools, commercial publishers and Ministries of Education around the world are implementing policies to introduce the teaching of English as a foreign language at earlier and earlier ages. In this chapter, I propose two things. First, to review the current literature on the teaching of English to younger learners, and to look at what empirical research has to say on the question of the optimal age at which to introduce foreign languages in school. Second, to present two case studies of pedagogical innovations in TEYL involving technology. Case study 1 looks at an innovative online programme in North America that met with only limited success. Case study 2 is based on a pilot study in Korea of a new global ELT series for young learners. If the results of the pilot study are confirmed when the materials are introduced, it looks as though this innovation will be successful.
