The Utilization of Mobile Technologies in ELT: Voices from English Course Teachers

Abstract

The utilization of mobile technologies such as smart phone to support English language teaching (ELT) has attracted many teachers, including those teaching in English Courses. This research aims at exploring practices and voices of English Course teachers in utilizing mobile technologies in their teaching practice. This study employs qualitative approach where three English course teachers are involved as research participants. In collecting data, semi-structured interviews are employed. The research findings show that all three participants are in line if mobile technologies are advantageous in a way such technologies can help students in learning English. From the data analysis, there are two emerging themes voiced by the participants, namely advantages and barriers regarding the utilization of mobile technologies in ELT. They are all in agreement that mobile devices allow students to experience more learning opportunities where they can quickly obtain information, experience many ways of learning, and capable of studying anytime and anywhere. On the other hand, some barriers are also revealed. The teachers are concerned with the issue of device as distraction.

Students’ Voices Towards Online Debate Through WhatsApp as Alternative Media to Enhance Critical Thinking Skills During Covid-19 Pandemic

“…With technology, students can get information quickly and be able to learn anywhere anytime [30]. As a result, teaching and learning can be more flexible especially in terms of interaction and communication among students [27].…”

“…This is understandable as [36] point out that the sudden shift from face-to-face learning into a total online learning has become a new challenge for both teachers and students. A research by [30] found that many students encountered some problems when participating online learning such as getting distracted. This issue was faced by one of the participants in the present study.…”

“…In recent years, there has been a growing interest among educators to use mobile phones for teaching and learning process [29]. Learning through mobile devices allows students to get information quickly and be able to learn anywhere anytime [30]. Students can access the learning material easily [28].…”