The Benefits of Using ICT in the EFL Classroom: From Perceived Utility to Potential Challenges

Abstract

Research has shown that the use of Info-Tech in the EFL classroom can improve and enhance students’ language acquisition and substantially motivate them to continue their learning and stimulate their creativity and passion. However, the challenges and barriers that many EFL teachers and professors encounter while attempting to incorporate ICT in their teaching have triggered debates and growing concerns about the real utility of ICT use in the language classroom. So, do these benefits provide tangible evidence for the improvement of English language teaching and learning or are they just knickknacks that are beautiful rather than useful? Does the use of ICT in the EFL classroom boost learning and provide an environment for a more productive and varied learning? Research findings show that the use of information technology in the language classroom boosts autonomous learning, maximises targeted outcomes, motivates learners and helps them improve their performance in the EFL classroom. However, using ICT without careful planning and well-defined objectives will more likely be a waste of time and effort.

DOI: 10.5901/jesr.2017.v7n1p111