Strengthening the foreign language learning during Covid-19 : an insight into technology-based solutions

The use of technology in teaching and learning has become a crucial skill that teachers and educators need to master, especially in 21st-century education. Moreover, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed educators towards emergency remote teaching and learning (ERTL) through various online platforms and technologies. In the context of language learning, it is expected that the evolution of IR 4.0. can make the issues and challenges be overcome easily. However, the solution is not easy because one size does not fit all. In relation to this, the present study will shed light on the reality of learning obstacles and challenges that teachers currently face and, later, suggest alternative technology-based solutions to strengthen foreign language learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. The proposed solutions were taken from Arabic school teachers all over Malaysia who have participated in a training workshop organized by the ICESCO-KUIS, Ministry of Education and Kulliyyah of Education, IIUM. In addition, suggestions and feedback were also collected from the pre-service trainee teachers at Kulliyyah of Education, IIUM, during their teaching practicum period. The research instruments were used to investigate the teachers’ knowledge about three essential components of TPACK, which include technology, content, and pedagogy as well their suggestions and feedback towards employing online teaching and assessment during COVID-19. Although the findings are related to the Arabic language setting, this study may also benefit other second or foreign language settings where the technology-based solution has not been effectively utilized by teachers in schools. The findings can also benefit home-based learning environments, which require other considerations in order to improve and enhance foreign language learning during the COVID-19 pandemic