Employing New Technology in English Language Teaching/Learning at Al-Quds Open University

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the feasibility of using new technologies in

teaching/ learning EFL at Al- Quds Open University (QOU) . For this purpose,

two questionnaires were developed and distributed amongst (122) fourthyear

English major students and (33) EFL tutors. The study revealed that most

EFL tutors and students at QOU felt highly motivated, had the basic computer

skills, showed strong preference, and pinned high expectations on using new

technologies in their EFL classes. According to the study, about half of EFL

tutors and students had easy access to computers. But the majority of them

highlighted the scarcity of educational software, and EFL students expressed

more concern than their tutors about time limitations. Although EFL tutors

and students found the technologies available in their study centers motivating

and auxiliary for developing their learning tools and language skills, active

use of new technologies in EFL learning/ teaching is not satisfactory, and

the levels of confidence in the currently- used print materials and methods

are still strong. In the light of these mixed results, theoretically speaking, the

ground seems to be paved for QOU administration to embark on the project

of incorporating e- learning into its EFL teaching- cum- learning process.

However, practically speaking, given the technical, economic, social, and

cultural constraints brought up by some EFL students, the study recommends

that QOU should, at least at this early stage, combine new technologies with

the current mode of teaching and learning. Using such a blend with its EFL

learners, QOU can give them the freedom to choose their preferred media.

Once the required technologies, efficient Internet services and educational

software of high quality are all secured, and EFL tutors and students become

properly trained and accustomed to using new technologies, more daring

steps towards the integration of new technologies into EFL learning/ teaching

at the expense of currently used methods can be taken.