The Investigation of Instructors’ Views on Using Technology in English Language Teaching

Abstract

Technology enhanced education, provided many opportunities in language learning. The main purpose of this study is to investigate instructors’ views and perspectives on using technology in English Language Teaching. This study was designed within a phenomenological framework. The experiences of four English Language instructors at different universities in Turkey during the using of technology into language classroom practice were studied through a qualitative in-depth interview. These instructors were selected based on maximum variation sampling method. A semi-structured interview schedule was designed by the researcher to determine how instructors perceive using technology and implement it in the classroom. A qualitative content analysis approach was used to analyse the data obtained. The descriptive qualitative analysis resulted in five themes. The main themes were the institution's view of technology, students’ and instructors’ background knowledge of technology, technological equipment used, information and communication technologies and professional experience. The results showed that widespread use of technology in language teaching is one of the necessities which our constantly developing world presents us.