Benefits and challenges of integrating technology into the EFL curriculum: A perspective from in- service teachers, estudio realizado en 8 colegios de la ciudad de Loja 4 públicos y 4 privados, en el año lectivo 2014 - 2015

Abstract

The use of technology as a tool for enhancing teaching and learning English has raised serious interest among pedagogues and especially among teachers. Therefore, this study conducted in Loja aims to determine the benefits and challenges faced by in-service teachers’ when incorporating technology in the designing and planning of courses and syllabus in English classes in high schools. The data was collected through a structured questionnaire applied to a sample of 40 teachers from eight public and private high schools as well as through observation. The results evidence that English teachers agree on the fact that technology is very useful to make the English classes more didactic, to promote students’ involvement in the use of technology and to introduce a new teaching- learning approach supported by technology. At the same time, the study revealed that the implementation of technology in the EFL curriculum is challenging for teachers because of the poor knowledge and the lack of technological skills; as well as due to the limited availability of technological resources in high schools.