Saudi EFL Learners’ Perceptions of the Benefits of ICT Integration into English Learning

Abstract

<p><em>This study focuses on exploring the benefits perceived by Saudi English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students of integrating Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into English learning and teaching. It also aims to determine their use of ICT and their attitudes to its use in learning and teaching. Data were collected through a questionnaire survey from 120 female preparatory year students studying at an English Language Institute (ELI) at a University in Saudi Arabia. The quantitative data obtained were analysed through statistical descriptive analysis. The findings of the study reveal positive attitudes among students on the use of ICT in English learning and teaching. The majority of the students used ICT to access English learning resources to learn English. Students also perceived ICT as a useful tool that could be used to access authentic materials. In addition, students strongly agreed that ICT can improve their English learning and helps increase learning autonomy. The findings of the study were discussed and compared with the findings of related literature. This study provides valuable insights on how students perceive ICT as a tool of learning and teaching that can help provide a better English learning experience. Moreover, this study contributes to the research area of ICT use in EFL learning in the Arab higher education context. </em></p>

ICT Integration for Teaching English Literature at Tertiary Level: Teachers’ Perspectives

“…Participant 7 said that, "They are more interested." The responses of the participants are supported by Gamlo (2019) stated in literature review that integration of ICT provides a productive platform for the teachers and students to have a healthy environment for the process of teaching and learning. Therefore, ICT use becomes helpful for literature teachers because of its participatory benefits for the students as well.…”

“…Additionally, the results also showed that the integration of ICT supported learners in the form of active participation, clarifying the concepts, innovation and interaction involved in learning English literature with ease leading to enhanced learner autonomy as discussed by (Gamlo, 2019). Therefore, the participants recommended the integration of ICT tools for keeping in view the supportive nature of ICT and digital access to educational material.…”

“…Showing short films and videos of literary works also provides a great support to the teachers in explaining the literary works simultaneously making them enjoyable for the learners too. As mentioned in the literature review (Gamlo, 2019) found that ICT use increases the interest level of the students and reduces the chances of boredom during the class. ICT integration in the form of multimedia, videos, technological gadgets and availability of internet has helped the teachers in switching the traditional method of teaching into an interesting and student-centered teaching method as discussed by Yang (2012) in the literature review.…”

“…The results showed low quality education wherein learning English language was like 'deaf and dumb English' so they proposed a method to rejuvenate the English language class with ICT (Hu & McGrath, 2011). ICT incorporation in education is found helpful for providing a platform to the teachers that promotes an innovative learning environment (Gamlo, 2019). In 1996, European Commission worked on ICT integration in education by emphasizing that students should have a computer, technology-based curriculum, each class should be connected to the other and teachers should be ready to use technology in class (Cuban, Kirkpatrick & Peck, 2001).…”

Peculiarities of the Ukrainian Language as a Foreign Language Teaching in the Conditions of Distance Learning

“…In research on foreign language learning, scientists have focused on the problems of mobile learning (Mlearning), e-learning (E-learning). Evidence of this is the emphasis on learning English as a foreign language using mobile devices -smartphones, tablets, mobile phones -in educational institutions in Taiwan [4], Thailand [5], Saudi Arabia [6], [7].…”