THE IMPACT OF DIGITAL TOOLS ON ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES

The integration of digital tools ranging from mobile applications and online platforms to artificial intelligence (AI) and collaborative technologies has significantly transformed English language teaching (ELT). This article explores the multifaceted impact of these tools, synthesizing current empirical findings across Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL), Mobile-Assisted Language Learning (MALL), AI-powered systems, and Collaborative Mobile-Assisted Language Learning (C-MALL). Advantages such as personalization, motivational enhancement through gamification, increased accessibility, adaptive and instant feedback are examined alongside challenges like the digital divide, pedagogical readiness of teachers, ethical and privacy concerns, and limited longitudinal evidence. Drawing on meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and case studies, the article offers practical recommendations for educators ranging from effective tool selection, blended learning integration, teacher professional development, to ethical policies and continuous impact monitoring. Finally, future research directions are proposed, emphasizing the need for long-term studies, policy-level interventions, and the pedagogical validation of emerging technologies.