Challenges of using technology in the secondary english language

Abstract

The use of technology in English language classrooms can play an important role to implement the school curriculum actively. Nowadays, very few educational institutions are using technology and internet to teach English language in our country. This study report tried to find out whether using technology for language teaching in the secondary English language classrooms brings about a significant change in students’ attitude, motivation and participation. According to the research, capable teachers are in favor of using technology in the English language classroom. To collect data for the research, a total of 30 secondary school students and 4 teachers were selected. The researcher followed a mixed method and used questionnaires and interview questions for data collection. Later, the collected data were analyzed with SPSS and MS Excel. The results revealed that, teachers who use technology in the English language classrooms are more successful than those who do not use technology in their classrooms. The research results showed that students are more responsive, spontaneous and co-operative in the technological advanced classroom as the lesson becomes hands on and lively for the students. On the other hand, the availing of technology in the English language classroom is easier said than done from the teacher’s perspective that may not always have the materials ready as necessary. Most of the teachers are not interested in using technology in their classroom because of the time limitations, lack of knowledge in using or incorporating technology in their lessons, strict school authority rules, electricity problem, etc. Based on the findings, some recommendations are proposed - the school authority needs to train secondary teachers on using ICT based materials, which will assist them to create digital content in line with ICT equipment. Hence, by enabling the teachers to take a practical ICT approach in the classroom, the learning atmosphere in the classroom can be made more encouraging and productive for the students.