2.1 Introduction

Through an analysis and synthesis of the literature, this chapter will provide a summary of the evolution of teaching methods and use of technology in FSFL from the end of the 19^th century until the end of the 20^th century with a vision for teaching and learning FSFL in the 21^st century. The summary of the evolution of technology in the teaching of FSFL will illustrate the integral role which OLEs play in the vision. Both summaries focus on understanding and analyzing the influence of learning theories on the evolution. The summary is by no means exhaustive; rather it aims to highlight the prominent trends and ideas which marked specific periods and which allow us to trace the evolution. The second research question considered in this study asks what the beliefs reflect in terms of the evolution of approaches and use of technology in the teaching of FSFL. The historical and conceptual framework provided in this chapter will assist in understanding, interpreting and analyzing the research findings in order to explore answers to this question.