EFL Teachers’ Perspectives on Online Teaching of the Writing Skill Using ICT Tools

Abstract

The shift to online teaching has highlighted the important use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) by faculty members. The objectives of this paper are to identify the current use of the technological tools to teach the writing skill in an online mode and to describe teachers’ perspectives on the potential effect of using the different kinds of ICTs in the process of online teaching and learning of writing. This study employed a descriptive research approach using qualitative methods for data collection and analysis. A purposive sample of Six (6) Written Expression teachers from the department of Letters and the English Language at Frères Mentouri University participated in this study. Data was collected through a focus group interview, enabling in-depth discussions and insights into teachers’ experiences and perceptions. The analysis revealed that teachers believe that technological tools such as Google Apps (Google Classroom, Google Meet, and Facebook) offer greater engagement and collaboration in the writing process, as well as encourage teacher and peer feedback on students’ writings. However, teachers expressed only moderate satisfaction with ICT accessibility and use due to certain challenges and the necessity to possess both technological knowledge and pedagogical knowledge for effective teaching of writing. The present study extends the existing knowledge on online language teaching, particularly in the context of the writing skill. It highlights the technological requirements and pedagogical strategies employed by EFL teachers to optimise the use of ICTs and ensure effective online teaching of the writing skill. The findings of this study have implications for educational stakeholders, emphasising the importance of integrating ICTs into writing instruction in online environments.