Perceptions of ESL/EFL Instructors toward Integrating the Computer into L2 Reading Classrooms and Factors Influencing its Integration

(Khalid Al Seghayer)

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Abstract

The success of any initiative to implement computer technology into an ESL/EFL classroom is largely contingent upon the support and attitudes of the instructors involved, as they are the real agents of adoption of instructional technology tools and resources within the English language classroom arena. This study attempts to provide a thorough account of ESL/EFL instructors’ perceptions of the importance and usefulness of electronic text for L2 reading and the factors that influence their decision of whether or not to incorporate it into their L2 reading classrooms. Aeventy ESL/EFL instructors at multiple universities that offer ESL/EFL courses responded to a self-developed, four-part survey containing 83 items and open-ended questions. The questions inquired about the respondents’ general attitude toward computers for language teaching and learning, their perceived perceptions pertaining to the importance of computer-assisted L2 reading instructions, the effectiveness of electronic texts for teaching and learning L2 reading, and the factors that influence their decision regarding using computers in the delivery of L2 reading class content. The collected data were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistical analysis, including mean, standard deviation, paired t-tests, and bootstrapped p-values. The findings indicated that participants recognize the importance of and hold strong beliefs about the usefulness of computer-assisted reading (CAR) in improving the quality of L2 reading instruction and developing learners’ reading skills. Additionally, various factors were reported to facilitate and impede the successful integration of computers into the teaching practices of L2 reading skills. The implications of this study were discussed, and areas of potential future research were also highlighted. Key Words: Computer-Assisted Reading, Second Language Reading.
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