EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES: DOES IT FEEL LIKE LEARNING?

Abstract

Abstract. Are textbooks in a new learning environment still predominant authority and do English language instructors have to allow ICT through the front door or through the kitchen door? How to achieve an acceptable compromise between the necessity of using modern technologies in teaching/learning and the need for teacher education and learner training in the area of computer assisted language learning? Does the revolution in technology automatically and unavoidably trigger the revolution in pedagogy as well? We prepared a questionnaire for the students of the Faculty of Science in Kragujevac to gather information as to how modern technologies and electronic devices affect the students’ (English language) learning and to what extent such novelties change their method of learning. Also, we tried to learn how much progress the students have experienced while using communication devices and particular software programs. We were also interested in students’ opinion on further progress in gaining knowledge that resulted from greater availability of modern electronic technologies, as well as their motives and attitudes toward mastering English language. Increased engagement of both learners and instructors necessarily results in better-quality educational experiences, and it seems that blended learning when technology is not used haphazardly but is integrated into a course is the most effective one.