Abstract

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) play a major role in creating a new and improved model of teaching and learning. A great number of studies have been conducted to examine the advantages of integrating ICT in language education in general and English as a Second Language (ESL) teaching and learning in particular. However, there is a need for more studies on the disadvantages of using ICT in language education. This study aims to identify both advantages and disadvantages of using ICT in teaching ESL reading and writing. To achieve the aim of the study, a total of 23 secondary school English teachers were interviewed. The teachers were pragmatically and purposively selected from three different areas of Malaysia, 7 teachers from Alor Setar, 8 teachers from Tawau and 8 teachers from Johor Bahru, respectively. This study is a qualitative research in nature because a semi-structured interview was used to examine the teachers’ perceptions of pros and cons of using ICT in teaching ESL reading and writing. The findings of the study revealed that attracting students’ attention, facilitating students’ learning process, helping to improve students’ vocabulary knowledge and promoting meaningful learning were regarded as the most important advantages of using ICT in teaching ESL reading and writing. Moreover, disadvantages found included the difficulty in classroom control and students’ distraction as well as their tendency to use short forms in writing tasks. The findings of the study are hoped to provide the teachers and policymakers with a better and more accurate picture of advantages and disadvantages of using ICT tools in ESL teaching and learning contexts.

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