INTEGRATING ICT AS A TEACHING TOOL IN THE ELT CLASSROOM AT HIGHER EDUCATION LEVEL: A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY

Abstract

While learning a second or foreign language Information technologies provide a catalyst for language learners. In English Language Teaching, teachers have started integrating information and communication technologies as a tool to accomplish better language learning amongst the students. This study investigates how the undergraduate English teachers’ of private universities have integrated ICT during English language classes. Moreover, it explores their perceptions regarding procedures and challenges faced by teachers while integrating ICT based tools in teaching English. The population of the study comprised of English language teachers at the tertiary level. Sample size was drawn through simple random sampling technique and 130 teachers from 12 private sector universities situated in Karachi Pakistan to get the questionnaire filled and semi-structured interview schedule was used to get the in-depth information on integrating ICTs in ELT. The quantitative data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and qualitative data was analyzed with the help of thematic analysis. The analysis of data revealed that the higher-level English teachers were aware of ICT and integrated ICT in ELT by employing strategies like PowerPoint, blogs, online submission of work and the marking of such work, which were effective. However, the teachers faced power challenges, connectivity challenges, lack of knowledge, lack of trained technical support etc. This paper further sheds light on the strategies to overcome challenges and encourage the incorporation of ICT in English language classrooms. Therefore, management should establish in-service training for the teachers to incorporate technology into English language classroom.