Digital Teaching Tools in 21st Century EFL Classroom: Are Our Teachers Ready?

Abstract

Over the past decade, along with the rapid growing information of communication
technology, information processing has become an indispensable part of
application in variety of fields. In relation to language teaching and learning,
digital media has invaded the classroom. Unfortunately, during professional
training the writer’s gave, those English teachers who belonged to ‘well prepared’
for this sort of media was very few. These teachers used a laptop with certain
learning materials which were prepared prior to teaching and an LCD projector
and/or speakers on the desk. In general, their teaching and learning seemed to
be more interesting due to technology touch. They created an image of being
creative, and above all, innovative. This paper discusses how technology, in this
case digital teaching media, supports teaching and learning; then, outlines the
problems facing EFL teachers; and, finally, suggests possible solutions to the
problems. Obviously, this paper is meant to promote professional teaching and
contribute to future researches on similar topic.