Exploring the Main Barriers of Technology Integration in the English Language Teaching Classroom: A Qualitative Study

Rouhollah Khodabandelou ,Junny Ei Mon That ,Melinda Anne A ,P S.selvaraju ,Tan Ken ,Zhu Kewen ,Zhang Yan ,Tan Zi Ning

doi:10.7575/aiac.ijels.v.4n.1p.53

Rouhollah Khodabandelou , Junny Ei Mon That + Show 6 more

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https://doi.org/10.7575/aiac.ijels.v.4n.1p.53

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Abstract

The abundance of technology in recent years has contributed to development in the societies, industries, and education. It is proven from the current trend of technology such as the emergence and rise of smart phones, tablets, laptops and wireless internet connection that the present and future world will be heralded by technology. The integration of technology into the teaching and learning process is idealistic with the existence of vast information and multimedia on the internet and innovative inventions of devices that serve as great assistance. However, the available technology has not been put to good use in the English language teaching and learning classroom for some reasons, especially in developing countries like Malaysia. Thus, this research is conducted to determine the hindrances faced by the education community in Malaysia. The current qualitative research involved seven individuals who discussed issues relating to the hindrances of technology integration in English language teaching and learning. This paper presents the results of the discussion and provides suggestions on some possible solutions to the identified obstacles faced by the education community in using technology in a more efficient and resourceful manner for the teaching and learning development. Keywords : TESL, barriers, technology, integration, higher education

Highlights

In today's world, people are more and more extensively connecting with technology due to its accessibility and availability via electronic gadgets
The current study investigated the main barriers in the way of technology integration from the perspectives of students and teachers
Based on the data gathered from the focus group, four main hindrances to technology integration in the English classroom are identified

Summary

Introduction

In today's world, people are more and more extensively connecting with technology due to its accessibility and availability via electronic gadgets. Modern technology benefits people in many different aspects such as in communication, transportation, medical and health care. Information Technology is changing the behavior and nature of education in developed and developing countries. Projectors, DVD players, e-books and e-learning systems have been introduced and used in many universities and schools (Mahmood, 2015). People believe that new technologies will support education system in the future because they provide more effective communication and better understanding to users (Dawes, 2001). The Malaysian government is encouraging schools and universities to engage with new information technologies in both urban and rural areas (Kumutha & Hamidah, 2014). Most Malaysian private universities are equipped with advanced technology teaching material and e-learning systems. Not all the teaching classes' especially English Language Teaching classes are practically using those materials yet

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