Exploring implicit and explicit technology instruction in an L2
writing context
Bethany Martens*
Ohio State University
martens.54@buckeyemail.osu.edu
Abstract: This article will explore implicit and explicit technological implementation of
an iPad toolkit (an iPad pro, smart keyboard, and apple pencil) to better understand
and support learners in two “Academic Writing in English as a Second Language”
classes. Though objectives and goals remained consistent in both classes,
technology implementation varied by means of implicit or explicit instruction. Drawing
upon the ecological perspectives of linguistic holism, this article will follow my
technology implementation journey from the fall ’18 to spring ’19 semesters, including
first steps of implementation, adaptations to challenges, and solutions and
pedagogical implications based on self-reflection and student processes and
products. The exploration of implicit/explicit technology implementation into the L2
writing classroom can give many English language teachers valuable insights into
how technology can be used to effectively promote a holistic linguistic approach,
while supporting instruction to meet content, language, and technology objectives in
various educational contexts.
*Bethany Martens is an instructor of ESL Academic Writing and PhD student in
Foreign, Second, and Multilingual Language Education at The Ohio State University.
ISSN: 2168-1333
©2020
Journal of Global Literacies, Technologies, and Emerging Pedagogies
Volume VI, Issue I, August 2020, pp. 1044-1061