Teachers' perceptions about the use of computers in EFL teaching and learning: the case of Turkey

Abstract

While research mainly focuses on the effectiveness of computer use and its contribution to the teaching of English as a foreign language (EFL), EFL teachers have received scant attention. Only a limited number of studies have been conducted regarding Turkish EFL teachers' perceptions of computer use for teaching EFL. Therefore, in the context of Turkish EFL teachers' perceptions of computer usage in learning and teaching, the current study aims to examine Turkish EFL teachers' knowledge of software and their reasons for personal computer use, including the attitudes and perceptions of self-confidence among teachers in integrating computers and the school climate and support with respect to the use of computers for teaching EFL. The sample group in the study consisted of 157 EFL teachers. Before descriptives were computed, a background questionnaire and survey that assessed the degree of knowledge about the computer software, the frequency of software use for personal purposes, the teachers' attitudes toward and perceived self-confidence in integrating computers, and finally, the school climate and support were used to collect quantitative data. The results indicated that Turkish EFL teachers have little knowledge about certain software and experience difficulties using the software programs and that they suffer from a lack of technical and instructional support, although they have positive perceptions of computer integration and attitudes toward computer use.