The exploration of the functions of technology on English learning and teaching in Chinese colleges

Abstract

Previous studies have proved the significance of technology in language teaching and learning. However, in Chinese colleges, teachers usually pay little attention to integrating technological products (e.g., mobile applications) in English as a foreign language (EFL) teaching, and thus students tend to show low skills to use technology to enhance their EFL learning. Meanwhile, considering the weakness of EFL education in Chinese universities, this argumentative essay aims to improve Chinese educators’ attention to realise the functions of technology on improving the effectiveness of EFL education. With this focus, this essay will discuss the role of technology through four aspects, namely, language, culture, difference and identity. In this regard, four arguments will be presented; 1. language as ‘a representation system’ could transfer and acquire linguistic knowledge in multiple ways through technology; 2. technology could establish a shared meaning map (culture) for enhancing college students’ English communication competence; 3. technology as a medium could distinguish and group linguistic information; 4. identity could be expressed by digital literacies in an information-shared website for language learning.