The pros and cons of incorporating emerging technologies into L2 classrooms: A qualitative dual perspective from Chinese EFL teachers and students

The use of emerging technologies (ETs) has recently gained increasing attention in second/foreign language (L2) education. However, their advantages and disadvantages from the perspective of teachers and students remain underexplored. To fill the gap, this study examined Chinese English teachers’ and students’ perceptions of the pros and cons of ETs. A sample consisting of 22 teachers and 31 students was interviewed online. The findings showed that ETs are advantageous because they provide personalized learning, rich and diverse materials, immediate feedback, emotionally engagement, enhanced teaching efficacy, and freedom from geographical and temporal constrains. Concerning disadvantages, EFL teachers referred to risks to interpersonal communication, the need for training and infrastructure, unequal access, and ethical concerns. Moreover, students saw ETs problematic because they require technical support and training, overlook individual differences and styles, and create information overload. The findings are discussed separately, and implications are listed for EFL teachers, students, and policymakers to raise their awareness and understanding of the pros and cons of ETs in L2 education.