Utilizing the framework of educational linguistics, we investigate ways to foster greater awareness of, and facility with, academic English for educators and students across disciplines by maximizing the popularity of language-related software packages, applications and websites, those already commonly found in and out of the classroom. Our work examines such technology to uncover assumptions made about language by these programs and thereby heightening meta-linguistic knowledge for educators and students, an awareness that can lead to more reflective and informed teaching and learning with--and about--academic English. At a time of growing linguistic diversity in our classrooms, and with the expanded pedagogical use of technology in higher education, linguistics and technology need to join forces.