Beliefs, benefits, and challenges of using educational technology in language teaching: A voices from the secondary teachers in Thailand

Abstract

This study explored the voices of 879 secondary teachers in the Western Region of Thailand with regards to their beliefs, perceived benefits, and challenges in using educational technology in their language teaching. The methods used to collect the data were modified questionnaires and focus group discussions. Based on the findings, teacher-participants reported that they had positive beliefs towards using educational technology, and they perceived the benefits of it to their teaching practices and student’s learning process. Some issues and challenges that they noted included lack of facilities, lack of pedagogical, conceptual, and practical knowledge in using Educational Technology, and lack of support from the administration hindered them in using EdTech - based - activities. The implication is for the administration, policymakers, researchers,
and curriculum designers to consider the findings of this study and address the needs of these teachers to create a community of 21st - century teachers and learners.