An Appraisal of the Use of Technology in the Acquisition of English as a Second Language

The study provides an overview of the utilization of technology in Second Language Acquisition (SLA), particularly focusing on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Digital Technologies (AR/VR), and other applications (Apps) and online resources. It examines their incorporation, benefits, and challenges to project future directions. As the research reveals, English is spoken as a second language in many parts of the world, and technology has been crucial to enhancing knowledge through a learner-centered approach, though not without some psychological, environmental, ethical, and pedagogical concerns and challenges. Utilizing a review research design and drawing from existing studies, this paper discusses various technological tools, their current use in SLA, and future directions. It recommends involving English experts in the development of technological tools for better outcomes, and that governments should facilitate and enforce technology-driven education, incorporating it into national language policy on education. It concludes that learners, especially teenagers and young adults, should be guided on the use of technology in SLA, aiming for competence in language use. It establishes that the advent of technology has revolutionized Second Language Acquisition, and its integration in SLA has offered unparalleled opportunities for language learning and instruction.