21st Century Education in Teaching English as Second Language (ESL) in Tertiary Institutions in Sabah, Malaysia

The surge in global competition necessitates the education system in Malaysia to go through transformation at all aspects, including in the use of technology in Education. The transformation in education towards the 21st Century is not only needed in primary and secondary schools but also in tertiary institutions. The transformation in education leaves a big impact on the field of education, including the teaching of English as Second Language (ESL) which is currently experiencing teaching and learning transformation process as well. This literature review canvasses the advantages of using technology in ESL classroom, the current challenges ESL educators face when teaching ESL in Sabah’s tertiary institutions and the role of ESL educators in using technology in their approach to teaching ESL. This review was carried out through an analysis of secondary data in the form of related and relevant previous studies conducted by researchers in the teaching of English as a second language. The findings indicate that there are some advantages in employing technologies in ESL classrooms. However, there are also few challenges that ESL educators need to embrace or face during teaching ESL in Sabah’s tertiary institutions. ESL educators will serve as a facilitator and guide to assist students in the process of embracing 21st Century learning in Industrial Revolution 4.0 era.