JALT2024 Balsamo Asian Scholar: Excelling With Technology in ELT by Embracing Diversity and Innovations

As an academic interested in teaching English using technology and researching its use in English language teaching, I find the future of technology in ELT enthusing but daunting. Today’s era is the most unpredictable and dynamic for technology in all aspects of human life including ELT. The rate of change can make us feel excited but also overwhelmed. New AI-driven tools, applications, and gadgets allow for automating administrative and pedagogical tasks, innovative content creation, and more personalized learning. However, with this development comes implications that must be dealt with promptly and carefully, as they raise alarming health and ethical issues and more profound educational problems. Thus, it takes broadmindedness to view technology integration into ELT from multiple perspectives that allow us to innovate and be aware of the diversity in technology, pedagogy, and in the content and context of language learning.