KANNIKAR BOONKHAOS (UDRU)
ATIPAT BOONMOH (King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT))

AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE RATIONALES FOR THE USE AND NON-USE OF TECHNOLOGICAL TOOLS BY THAI EFL UNIVERSITY TEACHERS DURING AND AFTER THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC : DIGITAL LITERACIES/LANGUAGE LEARNING AND TECHNOLOGY

This study investigated how Thai university instructors adjusted their technology use before and after COVID-19. Semi-structured interviews with eight instructors from various universities provided detailed insights into their decisions regarding technology adoption and discontinuation. The findings indicated significant shifts in technology usage: Randomizer apps and other tools crucial during remote learning were abandoned with the return to face-to-face classes. In contrast, tools like Zoom and PowerPoint remained extensively used in both in-person and hybrid settings due to their versatility. The use of platforms such as Google Meet and Microsoft Teams decreased with the diminished need for virtual interactions. Meanwhile, tools enhancing teaching effectiveness, like Quillbot and ChatGPT, were adopted for their benefits in content delivery and student interaction. Design tools such as Canva saw increased usage, valued for their role in creating engaging visual content. Analysis using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) revealed that the perceived usefulness of tools, instructors’ attitudes towards technology, and institutional support significantly influenced these trends. The shift toward hybrid teaching models also facilitated the continued use of adaptable and effective tools. These results underscore the importance of understanding instructors’ preferences and challenges with technology to help educational institutions develop targeted support and professional development programs. Properly aligning technology integration with teaching needs can enhance educational quality and student engagement in a post-pandemic landscape.

Kannikar Boonkhaos is a lecturer at Udon Thani Rajabhat University, Thailand. Her research interests include writing and online language teaching. (iamkannikar@udru.ac.th)

Atipat Boonmoh is an associate professor at School of Liberal Arts, King Mongkut’s University of Technology, Bangkok, Thailand. He received his Ph.D. in Applied Linguistics and English Language Teaching from University of Warwick, UK. His research interests include lexicography, learning strategies, teacher education and professional development, and use of ICT in education. (atipat.boo@kmutt.ac.th)