Foreign Language Teacher's Attitudes Towards a Pre-designed Language Learning System

Authors

  • Roxana Rebolledo Universidad de Playa Ancha
  • Candy Veas Universidad de Playa Ancha

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1344/der.2024.45.222-231

Keywords:

Teacher attitudes, Learning Management System, Technology Acceptance Model, Foreign languages.

Abstract

Once the pandemic concluded, the Foreign Languages Department of a Chilean state university hired a Canadian company to implement a pre-designed language learning system (PLLS). This platform was to be used by all teachers and students, as it contained various activities to develop all four language skills, including pronunciation practice through AI-based voice recognition. This study explores the attitudes of 17 university teachers towards using these pre-elaborated resources, activities, and assessments in their communicative English and German courses. A mixed-method approach was used, involving a survey based on the Technology Adoption Model (TAM) and individual interviews. Descriptive statistics were obtained from the survey responses, and qualitative data were analysed using content analysis techniques.

The results indicate that teachers' attitudes towards the PLLS were generally neutral to negative. Instructors expressed their concerns  about the system's pre-designed content and perceived functionality. Perceived ease of use and usefulness were rated low, reporting difficulties in navigation and alignment with their teaching styles. Perceived enjoyment received the lowest rating, mentioning issues such as disconnected content and lack of progressive structure. Qualitative data revealed technical problems, increased workload, and concerns about the system's impact on student motivation and learning outcomes. While some positive aspects were noted, the overall attitude towards the PLLS was predominantly negative, highlighting the need for better alignment with pedagogical goals and improved implementation strategies.

Author Biographies

Roxana Rebolledo, Universidad de Playa Ancha

Roxana Rebolledo Font de la Vall is a Professor of English and a Master in Educational Communication
and ICT. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Technology at the Rovira i Virgili University in Tarragona-Spain. She is an Associate Professor at the University of Playa
Ancha-Chile, affiliated to the Department of Mathematics, Physics and Computing from
the Faculty of Natural and Exact Sciences. She is dedicated to teaching
ICT subjects and to training teachers, future educators and
professionals, in the effective use of technology for teaching and learning. 
Her research lines are diverse and reflect her commitment to improving education 
through the innovative use of technology. These include Artificial intelligence in
education, language teaching with digital technologies, instructional design in
virtual platforms and training of trainers in technological environments.

Candy Veas, Universidad de Playa Ancha

Candy Veas Faúndez is a Doctor in Education and a Master's in Teaching English as a
Second Language. She is an associate professor in the Department of Foreign Languages
at the Faculty of Humanities of the University of Playa Ancha. The
Professor Veas-Faúndez has more than 20 years of experience in teaching
foreign languages (English and Spanish) and more than 15 years of training teachers and
researchers at the Master's level in the area of language teaching. Your interests
Research activities include the development of writing skills in a second language, the
educational inclusion in the English class and the training of foreign language teachers. Recently, her research focus has led to the use of technologies to support teaching and learning processes.

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Published

2024-07-01