Criteria Language Teachers Use When Selecting CALL Technologies

Year 2016, Volume: 6 Issue: 1, 48 - 65, 14.07.2016

Benjamin Mcmurry Peter J. Rich K. James Hartshorn Neil J. Anderson David D. Williams

Abstract

It is important to identify the criteria that language teachers consider when selecting technologies. Software designers and developers, program administrators, and others need to be aware of adoption issues and practices for CALL technology. The focus of this case study was to look at six language instructors considered to be experts in their use of technology in the classroom and examine the criteria they use when selecting CALL resources or activities in the classroom. Interviews, recorded classroom observations, and analyses of teaching materials resulted in three themes: consideration of pedagogy, consideration of convenience, and consideration of authenticity. These are discussed in the context of language teaching, CALL materials development, and language program administration.

Keywords

grounded theory, technology observations, high-users of technology, convenience