What is Digital Tools

Integrating technology when teaching languages provides exciting opportunities for learners and educators. Three ways teacher candidates can integrate technology in the classroom are 1) as technology leaders, where they model, lead, and control the integration of educational technology (edtech) in the classroom; 2) as observers and learners, who support, encourage, and empower learners to lead the use of edtech for learning; and 3) as collaborators with their learners in (virtual) spaces that blend interactive technologies with co-developed/authored experiences. Four additional topics of chief importance and significance for teachers are discussed: 1) the need to experience and assess technologies prior to employing them in the classroom, 2) potential affordances and caveats of integrating technology and digital media in teaching and learning, 3) the need for TCs' acquisition of technology skills, and 4) the importance of aligning teaching with technology with standards and other requirements.