USE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNING AMONG HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN THE NORTH-WEST REGION OF ROMANIA

Abstract

Learning and teaching foreign languages at all ages has played a very important role in people's lives. For centuries, different methods have been used to learn and teach languages, always with the tools available at that time, in school settings or even during private lessons. In the twenty-first century, with the spread and popularity of the Internet, digital language learning broke into a virtual learning environment. Learning more foreign languages has become increasingly important. Learning materials can be easily achieved and communication with peers and instructors make learning easier. Nowadays it is possible to learn a language on the mobile phone, which opens new perspectives on language learning, especially among the generation Z, who love using their mobile phones. Due to the situation caused by the COVID-19 coronavirus the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools in everyday learning and teaching has become a necessity in formal and informal education. The present study intends to address this issue, especially the use of ICT tools in English language learning among high school students in the North-West region of Romania. The research was based on a questionnaire completed by 244 students. Descriptive statistics were used and the results show that students are positive about learning English with ICT tools or using them in English, but more in the field of informal learning. There is a need to receive guidance from teachers so that students can take advantage of these tools in formal learning as well.