Effectiveness of Technology on Student Motivation and Engagement at the Tertiary Level ESL Classrooms

Abstract

In the present ESL educational environment, there has been a significant movement towards Technology Enhanced Language Learning (TELL) as each and every activity of the current generation of students is intertwined with technology. In the modern ESL classrooms, it is suggested by the language scholars that teachers are supposed to maximize learning opportunities through ICT platforms. Focusing on promoting the learning outcomes, this paper attempts to investigate the effectiveness of technology in enhancing the motivation and engagement of the tertiary level ESL learners. The present study was carried out with thirty-eight second year Science students for one semester. Questionnaire, classroom observation and semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. Though the study is of qualitative type, the participant learners were taught by traditional method and then through technology enhanced learning method for seven weeks each. When the results were qualitatively analysed at the end of the study, it was observed that the learners showed much willingness and motivation to get engaged in the classroom activities while incorporating technology in the teaching learning process. Through their active participation the proficiency level is expected to be maximized. For integrating technology in the classroom, personal mobile phones of the learners were used. Although considerable constraints were identified regarding the availability of physical resources and internet facilities, the method found to be productive to our context. Hence, learners’ potential and proficiency level can be enhanced by the appropriate use of technology as it promotes student motivation and engagement in the classroom