The Digital Turn in Elt: Exploring Al, MOOCs, Blended, and Self-Regulated Learning

Preface

The landscape of English Language Teaching (ELT) is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by rapid advancements in technology and the growing need for learner-centered, autonomous education. In this evolving context, The Digital Turn in ELT: AI, MOOCs, Blended and Self-Regulated Learning seeks to provide a timely, comprehensive, and research-informed exploration of how emerging technologies—particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), and blended learning models—are reshaping the ways in which languages are taught and learned.

This book is the result of years of academic inquiry, classroom experimentation, and pedagogical reflection. It is rooted in both theory and practice and aims to bridge the gap between technological innovation and its real-world applications in ELT contexts. Whether you are a preservice teacher preparing to enter the profession, a seasoned educator seeking to enhance your digital competencies, or a researcher interested in the intersections of language education and educational technology, this volume is designed to meet your needs.

The book is divided into two parts. Part A, AI for Language Teacher Education: Foundations and Futures, introduces readers to the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and its implications for language teacher education. It discusses the ethical, practical, and pedagogical aspects of AI integration while highlighting how AI can empower educators, enhance classroom practice, and promote learner autonomy and self-regulated learning.

Part B, Exploring Blended Learning Modalities in Language Teacher Education, shifts the focus to instructional models such as MOOCs and the flipped classroom. Drawing on current literature and empirical studies, it examines how these models can support personalized learning, foster student engagement, and develop self-regulatory competencies among learners in both face-to-face and online environments.

What makes this book unique is its consistent emphasis on autonomy, engagement, and equity. At a time when education is becoming increasingly mediated by algorithms and digital platforms, it is more important than ever to ensure that teachers and learners are not only technologically literate but also critically aware. Through its chapters, this book aims to equip readers with the knowledge, tools, and reflective insights needed to navigate and shape the digital future of language education.

I hope this book will inspire educators and learners alike to embrace innovation while holding firm to the pedagogical values that define effective language teaching: human connection, intercultural understanding, and learner empowerment.

Muhammed Özgür YAŞAR

April 2025

Eskişehir, Türkiye