Ecuadorian high school teachers perceptions on ICT use in their EFL classes

Abstract

This century technology is a necessary factor that influences greatly the second language teaching-learning process. This study takes a general overview of the barriers faced by teachers in integrated Information and Communication Technology (ICT) use in teaching English Foreign Language (EFL) with students in the classrooms. Additionally, the present research investigates the teachers` characteristics that influence the most of teachers to use of ICT in their classrooms, and the ICT use perceived by EFL teachers in relation to their gender. Twenty English teachers from public and private secondary schools were surveyed; five female and five male teachers in each sector in the rural and urban area. Besides six of them were interviewed, three male English teachers and three female ones. The teachers´ responses were analyzed through basic statistic in order to get the percentages for each instrument. The results of this study reveal that teachers are aware the ICT use in their EFL classes is a useful tool in educational settings they must use to innovate their teaching methodology. However, there are few teachers that are still reluctant and insecure about adopting technology in their EFL classes.