And Now What (Part 2)? Language Teaching: What Did We Learn and What Remains After the Lockdowns?

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many aspects of life, and language learning is no exception. Lockdowns and restrictions led to digital tools such as online platforms, virtual classrooms, video conferencing, and interactive games becoming essential for language teaching. It was a difficult period for teachers and learners, however, who had to adapt overnight to a digital landscape unknown to most of them. The challenges of this period have also created the opportunity for education systems to adjust to new digital settings. This paper discusses the benefits and challenges associated with the use of digital tools in language teaching after the COVID-19 lockdowns, and especially what the teachers learned and tried to transfer after returning to a face-to-face instructional modality. The data were collected through an e-questionnaire. We sought to understand how teachers adjusted their practice, what steps they took to address knowledge gaps regarding possible digital resources, and how they transferred that knowledge to in-person classes. Teachers experienced many difficulties and doubts about resources, methods, and learning outcomes, particularly about students’ learning of foreign language communication skills. We also noticed that only half of them tried to continue using digital tools in their teaching practice after the lockdowns ended.