Integrating Internet-Based Applications in English Language Teaching: Teacher Practices in a Thai University

Western Australian Institute for Educational Research Inc. 5/202 Coode Street, Como, Western Australia 6152, Australia. e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: http://www.waier.org.au

Y

14

Foreign Countries; Internet; Educational Technology; Teaching Methods; English (Second Language); Second Language Instruction; Language Teachers; Teacher Attitudes; Telecommunications; Handheld Devices; College Faculty; Social Media

1837-6290

This study was conducted to identify various Internet-based applications integrated in an English as a foreign language (EFL) classroom. It explored how seven English language teachers utilised different applications in their English language teaching (ELT) in a university in Thailand. The methods used were classroom observations and follow-up individual interviews. Findings revealed that "Kahoot," "Socrative," "Google Form," "QR code," "Facebook," "YouTube," "Quizizz" and "Quizlet" were among the Internet-based applications the teachers used in their classroom teaching. Moreover, the teachers responded positively to changes in the ELT landscape as they integrated these different applications in their classrooms. They seemed to be confident about the advantages these applications can bring into their teaching practices. Furthermore, their common responses as regards their reason for utilising Internet-based applications point to one evident perspective: Internet-based applications make their ELT classroom more convenient, exciting, and fluid. Implications for ELT are discussed in light of the findings, and recommendations for future research are offered.

As Provided

2020

EJ1243847