ESL Technology Games, Activities & Resources for Teachers/Students

If you’re looking for some ways to use technology in the ESL classroom, then look no further! Check out these ESL technology games, activities, tips and resources for students and teachers. Get some help implementing technology quickly and easily into a language-learning classroom.

Why Use Technology in the Language Learning Classroom?

There are a number of important reasons to consider using technology in language lessons. Here are some things to consider for technology in ESL classrooms.

Technology for the ESL Classroom is Effective

A study by the US Department of Education states that the use of technology in the classroom can help students learn faster. Better results more quickly? All teachers will certainly be on board with this!

If you ask teachers if they think technology can help them teach more effectively, it’s likely that the majority of them would answer yes. This is likely because technology in language learning classrooms is quite effective!

Make Lessons More Engaging

“Teacher—boring!” Have you ever taught kids who said that to you? I’m sure we’ve all been there and even though language learning can be a little bit boring sometimes (who finds memorizing irregular past tense verbs fun?!), it doesn’t always have to be.

Technology, including the use of online games, videos, and a myriad of other things can make ESL/EFL lessons far more interesting and interactive. Try out some technology for the ESL classroom and I’m sure you’ll see some great results with it.

Higher Levels of Motivation

If you’ve ever taken a language class, you’ll know what I’m talking about—the Groundhog Day feeling of coming to class every single time and doing the same thing. Basically, the next page or two in the textbook. I’ve also felt the same way when teaching—like we were just powering through a textbook for the sake of getting through the textbook.

Technology can help to mix things up a bit in the classroom. Sure, ESL/EFL textbooks still have a large part in most classes but why not supplement them with some online homework, a related video on YouTube, or a QR code hunt? Simple things like these ideas can help students stay motivated and excited about learning English.

Need to level up? Check out: Best Teacher Laptops.

Technology in ESL Classrooms: Increase Learner Autonomy

One of the key concepts in language learning is learner autonomy. That is, students have to take responsibility for their learning and the teacher is more of a “guide” than an all-knowing guru. Technology can assist with this in that students may have to watch a lecture on their own time and then come to class with questions that they have. Or, they may have to make a video, in English with some classmates and then present it in class. Much of this would be done without the direct assistance of the teacher.

Why Fight Against Tech in ESL Classrooms?

I’m not one to judge since I can rarely be found without my Smartphone but isn’t everyone these days addicted to them? Why fight against it in English class? I’d rather take advantage of these amazing mini-computers our students have at their fingertips and make use of them in my classes.

Students/Parents/Administrators Expect Teachers will Use Technology for Teaching English

These days, it’s rare to not have access to a computer in the classroom. In fact, most school administrations, along with parents and students expect teachers to use it. Sure, you can rock the chalk and the talk but evaluations may suffer if you’re not meeting the expectations that people have for you.

There are Many Excellent Resources for ESL Technology

So many things are made easier with the use of technology. Here are just a few simple examples:
Use a puzzle maker to create an awesome crossword review puzzle. This is so much easier than getting out your ruler and rocking it old-school!

• Create a quiz or online board game in minutes.
• Check for plagiarism for ESL writing projects quickly and easily.
• Students can easily collaborate on projects using Google Drive.

Students can Learn to Navigate Technology

It’s clear that technology is here to stay. That much is certain. And while most younger people are proficient with it already, it can be useful to help students do things like navigate the English Internet world and websites in our classes. This will help set them up for success in English-speaking workplaces or for further educational opportunities.

Tech for the ESL Classroom is Flexible

During Covid, many teachers were forced to teach English online classes, instead of in person. While some saw this as a negative thing, I saw this as the way of the future. All lessons will likely be digital and may, or may not be taught in an actual classroom.

Whatever the case, this flexible delivery method is ideal for students who are sick, during a pandemic or other disruption or for those who can’t leave their house for whatever reason. It’s easy for students to follow along, whether or not the teacher is actually in a classroom with them.

The other related benefit is that the teacher can do the heavy lifting (designing and conducting a lesson) once while still offering benefits for years down the road. That is, students can access the materials for years afterwards.

Be sure to check out: ESL Online Activity Ideas. Or, have a look at this simple quiz. It’s just one way to use tech in a language-learning classroom.

Different Accents and Cultures with ESL Technology

Do you ever get the feeling that your students are tired of hearing you talk by the end of the semester? I’m absolutely certain that mine do! One way to alleviate this is to have a variety of voices in the classroom.

Students can only benefit from hearing different genders, accents and cultural content. Consider using audio clips, podcasts, songs, TV shows or movies to add some variety into the classroom.

Communication with Students is Easier with Technology ESL

Does anyone like making an actual phone call these days? And what student wants to actually come to office hours? Not that many people! Instead, students prefer to send a text or message of some kind via their phone. Why not make it easier for them to do that?

In addition, I love sending out a quick Twitter or WhatsApp message to my entire class to let them know I’ll be sick that day. Or, to remind them about homework that’s due the next day.

ESL Games and Activities That Use Technology

Check out these ESL activities that make liberal use of technology. It’s technology for the ESL classroom made easy.

#1: Picture Warm-Up

A nice icebreaker or warm-up activity is to have students choose one picture from their phones. Then, they have to show a partner or small group and talk a little bit about it. It’s simple, but fun, and is a nice way for students to get to know each other.

#2: TV Shows and Movies

Lots of teachers like to use TV shows or movies with their students. I do as well, but I like to level up and make it as beneficial as possible for my students. Here are some of the best ideas for how to do this:

ESL TV and Movies Lesson Plan Ideas.

#3: Task-Based Teaching and Learning

A nice way for students to use tech in a language learning classroom is to do some task-based learning projects. Students can use the Internet to do some research, look up words they don’t know, and then perhaps put together a presentation about what they’ve learned.

It’s a natural fit! Have a look here for some of the best ideas:

Task-Based Teaching and Learning.

#4: Predict the Future

In small groups, have students predict what the future will look like with regard to a certain topic like dating, transportation, food production, etc. You can tailor it to whatever the topic of the day is. Students can use their phones to do a bit of research and you could even have them put together a short presentation.

#5: Blogging

A nice way for students to get some practice with writing in English is to start a blog. Better yet, have students read and comment on each other’s work.

#6: This or That Questions

Try out this simple, but fun warm-up activity

#7: YouTube Channels for English Learners

There are a ton of great teachers on YouTube! I love to recommend some of them to my students, and even use some of their videos in my own classes. I’m sure my students get tired of always hearing me talk! Here are some of the top options:

YouTube Channels for English Learners.

#8: Twitter

A nice way to communicate with students is to use Twitter. I have all of my students follow me at the beginning of the semester and clearly explain the hashtag that refers to their class. Then, I put links for homework, announcements, reminders for tests, etc. up there.

Some teachers also have students tweet out a few lines in response to a question for a small homework assignment.

#9: Make YouTube Videos

For a conversation class, I don’t love giving written homework! It doesn’t really get students practicing what I want them to practice (conversation). Instead, I have them make YouTube videos. They usually have to interview each other, a family member, or a friend.

One time, the textbook I was using had a unit in etiquette. For homework, I had students choose a location (in class, at a coffee shop, on a first date, etc.) and talk about some etiquette rules. It was a fun way to get students talking!

#10: Presentations

A fun way for students to get some practice using tech is to do some English presentations. There are a myriad of options and ways to do this, depending on the age and level of the students. Have a look here for some of the top picks:

ESL Presentation Ideas.

#11: Sports Vocabulary Quiz

#12: Vocabulary Apps

There are a ton of great phone apps that help students learn new vocabulary. It’s replaced the old-school flashcards for most people. I always recommend that students start with the 500 most common English words. Then progress to 1000, 2000, etc.

#13: Podcasts

There is a lot of great English learning podcasts out there. They’re a nice way for students to get some extensive listening practice—far more than they would ever get in my class.

#14: Google Drive

I put all of my course materials in Google Drive and then share the relevant folder with each class. It’s so convenient for students who miss a class and need to see the lecture. It also cuts down on the amount of copying that I have to do (and saves some trees).

Pick up your Copy of ESL Technology Games, Activities and Resources

Do you want even more tips and tricks for using technology in ESL classrooms? Then you’ll certainly want to pick up a copy of this book on Amazon: ESL Technology Games, Activities and Resources. 

It’s the book you need if you want to level up your teaching! Get your copy today and get ready to level up your technology in an ESL classroom tomorrow:

ESL Technology FAQs

There are a number of common questions that people have about technology in ESL classrooms. Here are the answers to some of the most common ones.

What are some ESL technology activities?

Some good ESL technology activities include:

• Blogging.
• Podcasts.
• Making YouTube videos.
• Presentations.
• Vocabulary apps.
• TV shows and movies.

What should we use technology in an ESL EFL classroom today?

We should use technology in an ESL/EFL classroom because it increases motivation, can foster autonomy, and can lead to better learning outcomes, particularly with reading and writing skills.

What is the main example of using technology in the classroom?

The main example of using technology in the classroom is using a smartboard or computer console of some kind. Smartboards in particular are very interactive.

ESL Technology: Join the Conversation

Do you have any tips, tricks or resource ideas for technology for the ESL classroom? Leave a comment below and let us know. We’d love to hear from you.

Last update on 2022-10-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API