Journal of Education and Practice www.iiste.org ISSN 2222-1735 (Paper) ISSN 2222-288X (Online) Vol 3, No 5, 2012 25 Technology in Language Education: Benefits and Barriers Mohammad Javad Riasati 1* Negah Allahyar 2 Kok-Eng Tan 2 1. Department of Foreign Languages, Shiraz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shiraz, Iran 2. School of Educational Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Pulau Pinang, Malaysia * E-mail of the corresponding author: mjriasati2002@yahoo.com Abstract Technology, especially e-learning technology, is being increasingly employed in instruction to enhance teaching and learning. This paper is a preliminary discussion of the advantages of and barriers to the use of technology in language instruction. Understanding the benefits and barriers of technology integration is a crucial step in integrating technology into education successfully. Lack of this knowledge may significantly impede stakeholders and educational centers from meeting the challenges of introducing and supporting the extensive use of technology by teachers in the classroom. Findings from empirical research in this area, as well as implications for language practitioners, are included in the discussion. Keywords: Language teaching, Technology, Barriers, Benefits. 1. Introduction A variety of e-learning technologies are available for use in educational programs. In many parts of the world, education ministries and universities have invested much effort into increasing the use of the web in all its forms (for example, e-books, simulations, text messaging, podcasting. wikis, and blogs) to meet the demands of competitive markets and to bring a variety of learning choices to their learners. It has been reported that the advent of new technology has a positive influence on both learners and teachers (Mansor 2001). Researchers (Friggard 2002; Miner 2004; Timucin 2006) have demonstrated that technology boosts the development of teaching methods as well as students’ knowledge. Lam and Lawrence (2002) claim that technology provides learners with regulation of their own learning process and easy access to information the teacher may not be able to provide. The potentially positive side of incorporating technology has encouraged foreign language educators to apply its advantages to enhance pedagogical practices. However, the integration of technology in the classroom cannot be devoid of problems. This paper aims to discuss both the positive and negative aspects of technology use so as to provide practicing teachers and researchers with some essential background information and useful references. The list is not exhaustive but serves to be a starting point for interested readers. We will begin with the advantages. 2. Advantages Several studies have documented the advantages of technology for language learning. These studies cover different aspects of learning as discussed in the following sections. 2.1 Engagement Some researchers maintain that one of the benefits of technology use is an increase in student motivation (Dunken 1990), as fun and games are being brought into the classroom (Lee 2000). This fun factor is a key benefit in a language classroom (Galavis 1998; Warschauer & Healey, 1998). Moreover, the novelty of the new technologies or learners’ experience of those technologies in the classroom can enhance learners’ engagement and motivation in fulfilling tasks (see Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD 2010). 2.2 Improvement in Academic Ability