SONIA TERONPI (THE ENGLISH AND FOREIGN LANGUAGES UNIVERSITY)

FACTORS INFLUENCING TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION IN ESL CLASSROOMS: AN INVESTIGATION FROM THE TEACHERS' PERSPECTIVE : TEACHER EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

As the digital landscape reshapes the learning experience for students, educators have adjusted their methods to align with the technology-rich environment. Despite the pressing need to address the challenges teachers and students face in education, educators in India lag in utilizing technology in their language classrooms. This study investigates the factors influencing technology utilization among ESL teachers. It aims to look at the facilitating factors and inhibiting factors concerning the integration of the use of technology by teachers. Employing mixed methods, including a self-developed questionnaire and semi-structured interviews, Qualitative responses were coded, categorized, and analysed into themes. Overall, the survey results found teachers' positive attitudes towards using technology. However, most respondents revealed it was inadequately supported by institutions. Inadequate infrastructure, lack of technological skills, teachers' workload and, absence of introductory training, are factors hindering the use of technology. This study is a significant contribution to understanding the present conditions related to the use of technology in the classroom in developing countries where infrastructure and accessibility are major concerns. The study findings have implications for policymakers and other stakeholders intending to integrate technology in language classrooms.

Sonia Teronpi is a doctoral researcher at The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, India. She also holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Teaching English. Her academic interest lies in teachers’ Continuous professional development, teaching approaches and AI learning.