Innovation in English Language Teaching: Integrating Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technology in the Classroom

Abstract

The advancement of digital technology continues to redefine the landscape of English Language Teaching (ELT), creating new opportunities for innovation in pedagogy, assessment, and learner engagement. This study examines the integration of emerging digital tools such as artificial intelligence (AI)-based platforms, gamified learning systems, and interactive multimedia in English classrooms, emphasizing their role in enhancing language acquisition and communication competence. Using a literature-based qualitative approach, this research synthesizes recent findings from educational technology and language pedagogy to evaluate how digital transformation reshapes instructional practices. The results indicate that digital technology not only facilitates personalized and adaptive learning but also encourages student autonomy, collaboration, and intercultural awareness. However, effective implementation still requires teachers’ digital literacy, pedagogical flexibility, and institutional support to balance innovation with human-centered teaching. This study introduces a new pedagogical model that merges AI-supported learning analytics with communicative and task- based approaches, offering a framework for sustainable technology integration in ELT. The findings contribute to the ongoing discourse on digital innovation, highlighting the need for educators to develop responsive teaching designs that align with 21st-century learning competencies.