Solving ESP problems: Students and teachers’ perceptions of integrating information and communication technology into ESP instruction
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol7iss2pp444-472Abstract
Background and Purpose: English for Specific Purposes (ESP) instruction in Iran mainly focuses on traditional ways. This study investigates ESP teachers’ and students’ perceptions of integrating Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to solve traditional ESP instruction problems in Iran.
Methodology: This concurrent parallel mixed-method study investigated students’ and teachers’ perceptions of solving ESP instruction problems through ICT. The sample consisted of 300 undergraduate engineering students and 24 experienced and novice ESP teachers. In the quantitative phase of the study, data were collected through two adapted questionnaires. In the qualitative phase, data were obtained from interviews with 12 undergraduate students, three experienced, and three novice ESP teachers.
Findings: The findings revealed that the participants had positive perceptions of integrating different ICT tools for solving problems with traditional ESP materials and methods, problems with low language skills, lack of autonomy, demotivation problems, inactivity problems, and problems with lack of exposure to real-life situations. The findings also showed that integrating different ICT tools and ICT-based interactive activities subconsciously promotes students’ communication skills through experiencing direct participation in communications.
Contributions: The findings may significantly change the ESP instruction status quo in Iran, which is not based on the ESP students’ communication needs, and replace it with innovative approaches to meet the needs of the modern ESP student. The results also provide a unique outlook for promoting ESP instruction in tertiary education by integrating ICTs through divergent stakeholder perceptions.
Keywords: English for Specific Purposes (ESP), Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Perception, Promoting English for Specific Purposes instruction
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