Abstract:

The success of integrating any information & communication technology in the teaching and learning processes depends heavily on the attitudes and perceptions of the teachers and the learners who used such a technology. Throughout the world there is awareness of the fundamental role of the new information and communication technologies in the field of language education and training. The peculiarity of Bahrain case or experience needs in depth investigation, this can be done through the use of the latest information technology methodologies. The present study attempts to investigate the perceptions of Bahraini Secondary Schools English Language Teachers and their students’ towards the use of information & communication technology for teaching and learning English. The study was carried out during the second semester of the academic year 2012/2013. A survey questionnaire and interview questions were used to collect data from 50 English language teachers and 200 ESL learners as well. Descriptive statistics techniques were used to analyze the questionnaire data, while interview questions were thematically analyzed. Results obtained from qualitative data related to English teachers’ perceptions about integrating technology in their classes, barriers that teachers face in integrating new technologies in teaching English language, and their students’ usages of technology was reported. Also, the data about ESL students’ perceptions and attitudes towards applying information & instructional technology in their language classes were explored and revealed. This paper concluded with recommendations to facilitate the use of information & communication technology in teaching and learning English language in Bahrain Kingdom schools.

Keywords:

Information & Communication Technology (ICTS), ELS English, Attitude toward Learning & Studying English Language, Perception towards the use of Information & Co.