Technology-Enhanced Conceptual Instruction: Design Principles and First Steps

Recent scholarship has begun enhancing concept-based language instruction (C-BLI) research and practice with the use of various digital and online technologies. In this article, exemplar studies are presented to illustrate the various design principles that have so far been used in this research. These include the use of online tutorials, mobile applications, and video analysis software for materializing complex second-language (L2) phenomena, dealing with time constraints in the classroom, scalability of C-BLI, and fostering communication in the L2. Although it may be possible to design concept-based language instruction enrichment programs in fully technology-mediated environments, the main argument presented in this article is that we need to examine how technology can enhance human-mediated instruction by providing expanded opportunities for learners to engage in conceptual instruction, problem solving, and communication.