Insights into Autonomy and Technology in Language Teaching

Technology and autonomy share a common mission in language education, that is, to transform language education into learner-centered learning across boundaries. With this shared mission, technology and autonomy are closely intertwined, shaping the role of each other in language education. The two, if in harmony and mutually supportive, may work in synergy and reinforce each other in achieving the goal. Drawing on the literature and research findings from relevant research fields, including educational technology, educational psychology, adult and workplace learning and language education, this book gives an overview of the relationship of technology with learner and teacher autonomy. It discusses how technology both benefits and constrains autonomy, and how a positive interaction between the two could be fostered. It underscores a critical perspective in understanding their relationships and a holistic approach to boosting a positive reciprocal relationship between the two.

Author information

Chun Lai is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Education, the University of Hong Kong. Her research interests include self-directed language learning with technology beyond the classroom, technology-enhanced language learning and teacher technology integration.