Research Article

An investigation on the practices and challenges on the utilization of technology to teach English language speaking skills

Dereje Asfaw Bulbula 1 * , Mengistu Tullu 2, Tsegaye Merga Negasa 1, Fedila Abazinab Abajobir 1
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1 Department of English Language and Literature, College of Social Science and Humanities, Jimma University, Jimma, ETHIOPIA2 Department of English Language and Literature, College of Social Science and Humanities, Ambo University, Ambo, ETHIOPIA* Corresponding Author
Journal of Digital Educational Technology, 5(1), January 2025, ep2503, https://doi.org/10.30935/jdet/15810
Submitted: 14 December 2023, Published: 02 January 2025
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ABSTRACT

This study investigates the use of technology in English language learning education, focusing on the practices and challenges faced by teachers and students. The study involved 20 second-year students and 10 English as a foreign language (EFL) teachers at Ambo University. The results showed that teachers rarely use technology, preferring traditional methods of teaching language skills. The study found that EFL teachers have a positive perception of technology’s role in language classrooms, but they are not motivated to use it due to students’ interest, digital literacy problems, and inadequacy of technologies. Challenges faced by teachers and students include lack of interest, confidence, and time constraints. The findings suggest that universities should provide necessary technology for teachers and students, shift teaching methods from traditionally to technology-oriented, and provide additional training for students to increase their confidence and digital literacy.
Keywords: English speaking skill, technology, language education, digital literacy, teachers’ and students’ knowledge

CITATION (APA)

Bulbula, D. A., Tullu, M., Negasa, T. M., & Abajobir, F. A. (2025). An investigation on the practices and challenges on the utilization of technology to teach English language speaking skills. Journal of Digital Educational Technology, 5(1), ep2503. https://doi.org/10.30935/jdet/15810

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