Advancing Second Language Learning and Teaching through Innovative Technologies and Digital Tools

Dear Colleagues,

The rapid evolution of technology has immensely shaped the landscape of second language learning and teaching, propelling it into a new era where digital tools and innovative technologies play a pivotal role. The immersion of learners in digitally enriched environments has opened a myriad of opportunities for both language learning and pedagogy. This Special Issue, “Advancing Second Language Learning and Teaching through Innovative Technologies and Digital Tools”, delves into the profound impact of these advancements and underscores the burgeoning importance of this research area.

The aim of this Special Issue is to explore the diverse ways in which both cutting-edge (e.g., AI) and existing (e.g., CALL or MALL) technologies and digital tools/platforms can be employed to enhance second language learning and teaching. It seeks to provide a comprehensive scope that not only presents empirical findings and theoretical insights but also addresses practical implications for second language teachers, learners and policy makers at various educational levels: primary, secondary and tertiary. The scope extends to a variety of educational settings, from formal classroom instruction to informal, self-directed learning environments. We welcome submissions of both empirical studies and meta-analysis or systematic review research papers.

Contributions to this Special Issue may cover a broad range of themes, including but not limited to the following:

• The use of CALL or online technologies and digital tools to enhance second language learning and teaching.
• Integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning in second language learning software and applications.
• The role of metaverse, virtual and augmented reality in creating immersive second language learning experiences.
• The use of gamification and digital game-based learning in motivating and engaging second language learners.
• The use of social media platforms for collaborative second language learning and cultural exchange.
• The impact of mobile applications in facilitating on-the-go language practice and exposure.
• The application of big data and learning analytics in second language learning experiences and outcome assessment.
• The adoption of corpus-based approaches for studying second language education.
• The challenges and strategies for implementing online technologies and digital tools in under-resourced contexts.

By shedding light on these themes, this Special Issue aims to chart the course for future research directions and to inspire innovative practices in the field of second language education. It is an invitation to scholars, educators and technologists to contribute to the dynamic dialogue on technology's transformative potential in language learning and teaching.

Dr. Qing Ma
Dr. Chun Lai
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a double-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Education Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• artificial intelligence (AI)
• big data
• computer-assisted language learning (CALL)
• collaborative learning
• corpora
• digital language tools
• educational technology
• gamification
• mobile-assisted language learning (MALL)
• technology-enhanced language learning (TELL)