Bold techno competence in language learning: a study on the effects of efficacy of workshops in decreasing technostress and boosting academic enjoyment, autonomy, and language achievement

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of techno-competence workshops on English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners’ language achievement, technostress, academic enjoyment, and autonomy in a large university in Iran. A concurrent mixed-methods approach was employed, with qualitative data collected through structured interviews and quantitative data gathered using a teacher-made test validated through a known-group procedure. Ninety-six upper-intermediate EFL learners were randomly assigned to an Experimental Group (EG) and a Control Group (CG). Results revealed a significant decrease in technostress, an increase in academic enjoyment, and heightened autonomy among participants attending the techno-competence workshops. The quantitative analysis demonstrated a substantial improvement in language achievement for the EG compared to the CG. Findings contribute to the understanding of the multifaceted impacts of techno-competence on language learning outcomes and offer practical insights for educators, curriculum developers, and policymakers in fostering effective language education in technologically enriched environments. Despite certain limitations, this study lays the groundwork for future research endeavors exploring the intricate dynamics between techno-competence and language learning outcomes across diverse contexts.