Challenges of using online technologies in the pandemic : Voices from English language and literacy primary school teachers in central China

The pandemic has brought teachers, young children and their parents lots of uncertainties and challenges in adapting to new teaching and learning environment. Compared with other professionals, teachers might face more challenges in transiting from using a traditional face-to-face teaching method to an online or blended teaching and learning model. This study aimed to explore Chinese primary school English language and literacy teachers’ teaching preparation, in particular, their knowledge with regard to incorporating online technologies in learning and teaching. Participants in this project were English language and literacy teachers in central China. The study used a survey with a Likert scale to examine primary school English language and literacy teachers’ perceptions of using digital technology in teaching preparation, students’ competence development, assessment and professional development (PD) for online teaching. The results confirmed differing perspectives between young teachers and their elder colleagues on the value of using digital technology for online teaching and their PD programmes. A call for PD programmes is also proposed and discussed