EFL TEACHERS' PERCEPTIONS AND PERSPECTIVES ON THE USE OF THE INTERNET IN THE TEACHING PROCESS AT YARMOUK UNIVERSITY IN JORDAN

Abstract

Although today the Internet use in EFL learning has brought great advantages to students, resistance to employ such technology in classrooms by many EFL teachers remain high. This study examined EFL teachers' perspectives and perceptions towards Internet-based EFL instruction at the language center at Yarmouk university. Data was collected using a questionnaire which includes : participants' background information; a four-point Likert scale to measure the participants' perspectives and perceptions towards using the Internet in the classroom; and open-ended questions to gather richer data on the participants' beliefs, attitudes, willingness, and concerns towards the use of the Internet into EFL instruction. The findings of the present study indicated that most of the participants showed positive attitudes and willingness to integrate the Internet into the classroom. However, factors such as large classes, limited time to finish the textbooks, lack of training on the use of the Internet, and lack of facilities could be possible impediments to the use of the Internet in the classroom. Based on the findings, some suggestions and recommendations were provided.