The Use of Technology in Teaching of Writing Among Malaysian ESL Secondary School Teachers

Abstract

The application of technology in education has become a significant option for a more efficient and interactive approach, particularly in language teaching. However, few studies have investigated the use of technology in the teaching of writing in English language classrooms, especially in the Malaysian context. The present study investigates the teaching of writing practices and technology tools employed by English as a second language teachers when teaching writing skills. Using Technology Acceptance Model as the underpinning theory, this study also examines the effectiveness of the use of technology in the teaching of writing by collecting data from forty secondary school English teachers in Malaysia using a set of questionnaires. The findings indicated that technology is an important tool to improve students’ writing skills, assist teachers as a teaching aid and promote student engagement in the classroom. However, the lack of technical support hinders some teachers from using technology because it takes a lot of time which disrupts the teaching and learning process. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that technology plays an important role in helping teachers to improve students’ writing skills. Significantly, the findings of this study provide evidence to improve the application of technology in language teaching and learning.

Challenges of Implementing Technology in ESL Writing Classrooms: A Case Study

“…In light of the observations and the interview, the three instructors provided different ways of implementing technological tools in a writing classroom. Previous studies also reported similar findings (An & Williams, 2010;Riasati et al, 2012;Tze Pheng et al, 2021;Yunus et al, 2013). For instance, Ms. Carla employed Dropbox, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, emails, and the Internet in her classroom.…”

“…Some studies also focused only on providing benefits of implementing technology in the writing classroom in different disciplines (Kutlu, 2013). In an ESL context, most studies investigated the effect of technological tools on students' writing (Al-Wasy, 2020;Bikowski & Vithanage, 2016;Tze Pheng et al, 2021).…”

“…In addition, even though other research studies have investigated advantages and disadvantages of integrating technology in the classroom (An & Williams, 2010;Nim Park & Son, 2009;Riasati et al, 2012), they, again, did not focus on challenges or barriers of implementing technology in ESL/EFL writing classroom. The literature also included few studies conducted to investigate integrating technology in ESL writing in high schools and university, for more details: (Kopcha, 2012;Lu, 2006;Salehi & Salehi, 2012;Tze Pheng et al, 2021). Furthermore, the majority of the studies were quantitative by using surveys or mixed-method approach.…”

A Need Analysis of Incorporating A New Teaching Approach via Technology

“…Many studies have examined the use of mobile learning in improving students' writing skills. Pheng, Hashim and Sulaiman (2021) clarified that online writing is a new approach that needs to be taught among Malaysian students to foster their writing abilities. Students are very technology savvy.…”

“…The education system's goal in the present system is to provide complex learning environments for students by integrating authentic learning methods to develop their skills. Teachers need to emphasise using new approaches to deliver any subject content to their students in this new era, using technology applications to help students achieve excellence in education (Pheng et al,2021). Furthermore, the correct learning methods according to student's interests and abilities are tremendously important as they are helped to solve any complex problems they face in real life.…”