Smart Technology and Language Education

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue explores the transformative role of smart technology in language education globally, highlighting its potential to revolutionize teaching and learning practices. As generative artificial intelligence and virtual reality create increasingly immersive and personalized learning environments, educators face exciting opportunities and significant challenges (Kohnke et al., 2023a; Wu et al., 2024). Mobile applications have expanded access to language learning, enabling flexible, on-the-go study while catering to diverse learning styles (Stockwell, 2022). However, these technological advancements can also lead to technostress and equity issues, underscoring the need for effective integration strategies and support for educators and students (Kohnke et al., 2024; Upadhyaya & Vrinda, 2021; Wang & Zhao, 2023).

The use of machine translation tools in classrooms presents both promising possibilities and challenges in maintaining language proficiency standards (Tavares et al., 2023; Urlaub, & Dessein, 2022). Blended and online learning models, which seamlessly integrate traditional and digital methods, offer a comprehensive approach that can enhance language instruction and student engagement (Kohnke & Moorhouse, 2021; Stickler, 2022). As technology evolves rapidly, addressing ethical considerations, data privacy, and security becomes increasingly critical (Nguyen et al., 2023).

Through this Special Issue, we aim to provide a nuanced understanding of the future of language education in a technology-driven world, fostering innovative solutions and informed discussions. We welcome in-depth, full-length research papers and systematic reviews that draw insights from various disciplines, including education, technology, linguistics, and cognitive science. By examining these multifaceted aspects, we seek to equip educators, researchers, and policymakers worldwide with the insights needed to navigate the complex landscape of smart-technology-enhanced language education.

Moreover, by delving into the transformative impact of smart technology on language education worldwide, this Special Issue examines how innovations respace teaching and learning practices across diverse global contexts. By highlighting these technologies’ opportunities and challenges, this issue aims to provide insights into effective integration strategies and foster international dialogue. 

This Special Issue welcomes in-depth, full-length research papers and systematic reviews on the following themes:

• AI and Immersive Technologies in Language Learning: Exploring the use of artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and augmented reality to personalize and enhance language education and acquisition.
• Mobile and Game-Based Learning: Evaluating the effectiveness of language learning apps, mobile platforms, and gamification in motivating and engaging language learners.
• Machine Translation and Language Teaching: The role and impact of translation technologies in language learning and proficiency development.
• Technostress, Teacher Adaptation, and Equity: Addressing challenges in integrating smart technologies and ensuring global equal access to technology-enhanced language learning resources.
• Equity and Access: Ensuring equal access to technology-enhanced language learning resources.
• Data Privacy and Ethics: Navigating the ethical considerations of using smart technology in education.
• Blended Learning Models and Future Trends: Combining traditional and digital methods for effective language instruction and predicting future technological advancements in language education.

These themes stimulate comprehensive discussions and research that can inform policy, practice, and future directions in technology-enhanced language education.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews on the abovementioned themes are welcome.

I look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Lucas Kohnke
Guest Editor

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.

• smart technology
• language education
• artificial intelligence
• virtual reality
• mobile learning
• gamification
• Technostress
• blended learning
• machine translation
• educational innovation