In this technology review, we explore the affordances of the generative AI chatbot ChatGPT for language teaching and learning. In addition to this, we also present debates and drawbacks of ChatGPT. Finally, we present the digital competencies teachers and learners require to use this chatbot ethically and effectively to support language learning.

Events caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have required second language (L2) educators to move away from face-to-face (F2F) lessons and adopt online teaching. Educators have utilized a range of online synchronous meeting tools (SMTs) to facilitate student learning. One of the popular, immersive and easy-to-use SMTs these days is Zoom. It includes several features, such as annotation tools, polls, breakout rooms and video and screen sharing. These functions facilitate communicative language learning through the use of authentic language instruction in interactive synchronous classes.

COVID-19 has led to dramatic changes in the way teachers teach and students engage in higher education (HE). To cater for social distancing and learners’ diverse needs, including being in different geographical locations from their HE instruction, different modes of teaching and learning have been adopted. One such mode is HyFlex. HyFlex sees teachers teaching students at the same time in a physical classroom and synchronously online through video-conferencing software. This small-scale exploratory study considers the experiences and perceptions of nine post-graduate students who attended a six-week course delivered through HyFlex. Findings suggest that while there were communication challenges between students who attended through different modes, participants did appreciate the flexibility it afforded. The utilisation of various features of the video-conferencing software and other digital tools were seen as essential to the effectiveness of HyFlex.