Abstract:

Following major setbacks in teaching and learning over the past two years and now engaging in face-to-face teaching post-COVID, one of the major challenges for teachers is to keep students engaged and motivated in order to learn and stay focused in the classroom. Language educators across the globe are turning towards a range of technology tools to enhance student motivation and improve learning outcomes. With this in mind, this study is proposed as an attempt to overcome this challenge and increase student engagement and interaction in the classroom in order to enhance motivation and achievement among Omani EFL learners. For this means, a case study was conducted with students in an English foundation course in order to evaluate the use of an innovative digital tool, Mentimeter to achieve this aim. In this study, Mentimeter was used during an experimental trial and students’ retention of vocabulary was assessed. The results of experimental and control group achievements throughout the semester were compared to assess their achievement. Students' motivation was also evaluated through interviews and verbal protocols. The results of this study indicate the beneficial aspects of integrated learning through innovative technological tools to boost students’ performance both in the classroom and in overall achievement. As an innovative approach to engaging students in the classroom, this technological tool allows students to overcome demotivation and helps teachers to create more effective and interactive lessons to achieve learning and teaching goals. Overall, the implications can be constructive for educators in universities across the world in providing a better educational experience for post-pandemic classes.

Keywords:

Technology assisted learning, Mentimeter, integrated learning, motivation.