Vol. 35 No. 1 (2020): Special Issue on Technology and Teacher Education
Special Issue

Finding the Right Fit: Exploring ESL Teachers and Students’ Perceptions of iLit ELL, a Technology-based Literacy Program’s Use with High School English Language Learners

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  • Sara Shahbazi
Sara Shahbazi
University of Windsor
Bio

Published 2020-10-30

How to Cite

Shahbazi, S. (2020). Finding the Right Fit: Exploring ESL Teachers and Students’ Perceptions of iLit ELL, a Technology-based Literacy Program’s Use with High School English Language Learners. International Journal of E-Learning & Distance Education Revue Internationale Du E-Learning Et La Formation à Distance, 35(1). Retrieved from https://www.ijede.ca/index.php/jde/article/view/1155
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Abstract

Abstract: The purpose of this interpretative phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of ESL secondary teachers and their perceptions towards the use, effects, and integration of iLit ELL, a technology-based language program designed for English language learners, as well as the perceived effects the program had on students’ motivation and attitudes towards learning English. Data were collected using teacher interviews, student focus groups, and final reflections, as well as researcher observations and field notes. The collected data were analyzed through the steps of Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis to broaden the breadth and depth of the content and complexity of each narrative independently. Data were then compared across individual experiences and interpreted in a dynamic and active process that involved double hermeneutics.

Based on the data collected throughout the study, findings indicated that technology integration is affected by teachers’ adaptability to change; teacher mindset affects teachers’ acceptance, integration, and effective use of technology; when applied purposefully, technology and differentiated instruction increases student motivation and teachers’ efficiency; and technology with embedded scaffolds can enhance student autonomy and motivate student learning. From the emerging themes, the following recommendations are suggested for stakeholders and future research: differentiated professional development for teachers; applying consistent school and system-wide supports and beliefs on technology; adopting a universal designs method to teaching; further exploring teacher perceived efficacy and actual performance of technology integration; and a comparative study exploring best instructional models.

Keywords: iLit ELL, high school English language learners, technology, interpretive phenomenological analysis, ESL, student motivation

Résumé: Le but de cette étude phénoménologique interprétative était d'explorer les expériences vécues des enseignants du secondaire ESL et leurs perceptions concernant l'utilisation, les effets et l'intégration d'iLit ELL, un programme de langue basé sur la technologie conçu pour les apprenants de langue anglaise, ainsi que les effets perçus. le programme portait sur la motivation et les attitudes des étudiants envers l'apprentissage de l'anglais. Les données ont été recueillies à l'aide d'entretiens avec les enseignants, de groupes de discussion d'étudiants et de réflexions finales, ainsi que d'observations de chercheurs et de notes de terrain. Les données collectées ont été analysées à travers les étapes de l'analyse phénoménologique interprétative pour élargir la largeur et la profondeur du contenu et de la complexité de chaque récit indépendamment. Les données ont ensuite été comparées à travers des expériences individuelles et interprétées dans un processus dynamique et actif, impliquant une double herméneutique.

Sur la base des données recueillies tout au long de l'étude, les résultats indiquent que l'intégration de la technologie est affectée par l'adaptabilité des enseignants au changement; l'état d'esprit des enseignants affecte l'acceptation, l'intégration et l'utilisation efficace de la technologie par les enseignants; lorsqu'elles sont appliquées à dessein, la technologie et l'enseignement différencié augmentent la motivation des élèves et l'efficacité des enseignants; et, la technologie avec des échafaudages intégrés peut améliorer l'autonomie des étudiants et motiver leur apprentissage. À partir des thèmes émergents, les recommandations suivantes sont suggérées pour les parties prenantes et les recherches futures: développement professionnel différencié pour les enseignants; appliquer des soutiens et des croyances cohérents à l'échelle de l'école et du système en matière de technologie; adopter une méthode de conception universelle pour l'enseignement; explorer davantage l'efficacité perçue par les enseignants et les performances réelles de l'intégration de la technologie; et une étude comparative explorant les meilleurs modèles pédagogiques.

Mots-clés: iLit ELL, apprenants de langue anglaise, technologie, analyse phénoménologique interpretative, ESL, motivation des élèves

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