Digital resources and English as an additional language in higher education: possibilities for internationalization

Abstract

The objective of this study is to discuss possibilities of adopting digital resources for teaching/learning English as a second language (L2) within higher education contexts (in general) and within a public university in Brazil (in particular). Key aspects in the literature review (which includes approaches such as COIL, MOOCs and EMI) are compared with the scenario and activities of a university in the Global South, in order to discuss the use of digital resources in teaching/learning English as L2. Results suggest that a critical use of technologies is necessary to promote a more balanced and sustainable process for language teaching/learning. Institutional support is also fundamental for teachers and students develop skills necessary for an increasingly interconnected world. The conclusion indicates that a combination of alternative practices can foster an effective language teaching/learning process in higher education institutions, supported by digital resources.

Keywords

• English as a Second Language (ESL)
• Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs)
• COIL
• EMI
• Brazil