Taking the Wave of Digitalization: Reflection on the Psychological Readiness of Teachers in Using Information and Communication Technologies

Abstract

Considering the brainwave of the psychological approach for the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), collaboration, expectation, and motivation have been identified as the aspects of readiness for integrating technology into the teaching strategies. Studies have investigated the integration of ICTs in the teaching/learning process; still there is a lack of research probing the significance of the psychological readiness of teachers on their perceptions about utilizing ICTs in the Algerian EFL context. The research, between hands, aspires to bridge the gaps, reveal the significant obstacles; and barriers encountered while exploring ICTs, and investigate the following query: What are the significant psychological obstacles that might prevent the effective implementation of ICTs? A mixed-method design was used in this research, employing a survey questionnaire and semi-structured interview to collect data from thirty- five EFL teachers at the University of Mohammed Ben Ahmed in Oran; Algeria. Participant teachers reveal a satisfactory willingness for using education technologies. Lack of training, insufficient ICT skills, technology anxiety, resistance to change, and no perception of benefits were the major psychological obstacles reported by the informants. To perk up the digital proficiencies of teachers, to train them to utilize ICTs, and to explore the potential of ICTs were highly recommended to rouse in teachers, the emotional readiness to implement Information Technologies.