Over the last 20 years Robert Godwin-Jones has written 48 columns on "Emerging Technologies"; an additional six columns have been written by guest columnists. Several topics have been re-examined in regular intervals of approximately five years, namely digital literacy (Vol. 4, Num. 2; Vol. 10, Num. 2; Vol. 14, Num. 3; Vol. 19, Num. 3) and web technologies (Vol. 1, Num. 2; Vol. 4, Num. 1; Vol. 9, Num. 2; Vol. 14, Num. 1). Many columns have encompassed more than one area of technology or pointed to multiple possible uses in language learning. In this article, Godwin-Jones examines three general themes which emerge among the columns written since 1997: (1) the fundamental affordances of technology for language learning (skills or components of language acquisition, digital literacy, learner autonomy); (2) teaching and learning contexts and approaches (online learning, social media, tutorial CALL); and (3) delivery and design considerations (technology standards, web design, mobile devices, multimedia). Based on his analysis, he concludes that the topics covered in the 20 years of the column mirror broadly developments in the field of CALL. These include a surge in interest in social media and informal language learning, with an accompanying decreased interest in dedicated software for acquiring specific language skills.