Technology and Language Teaching and Learning : A study on teachers’ experiences of and attitudes to computers and handheld devices in the EFL classroom

Abstract Modern information and communication technology such as computers, smartphones and tablets has quickly become an integrated part of people’s studies, work and everyday lives. The present study focuses, in a Swedish context, on the application of technology in the EFL classroom, the education of English teachers regarding technology, their understanding of key concepts (digital competence, e-learning, m-learning, CALL and MALL) related to technology and language education, the advantages and challenges with technology in schools, the teachers’ perception of available software, as well as any additional digital tools and features that they would consider desirable in education. In an attempt to address these issues, seven Swedish secondary and upper-secondary teachers were interviewed. Their responses indicate that they use technology regularly, and that most, but not all, of them are comfortable with using technology in language education, though they do ask for more training and support. While digital competence, e-learning and CALL appeared to be familiar concepts, m-learning and MALL were unknown to most. It could also be noted that, more positive comments were made in reference to computers than to handheld devices, and the teachers could identify more room for development in handheld software than in computer software. Overall, more in-service training seems to be needed, e.g. on the relation between social constructivism and technology, and possibly enhanced encouragement and facilitation of teacher-to-teacher support and instruction in technology. Keywords: EFL, ICT, digital competence, e-learning, m-learning, CALL, MALL, secondary school, upper-secondary school, Sweden, interviews