Rebooting ESL Classroom via Technology-Based Instructional Materials (TBIMS)

Abstract

For learners to acquire language, meaningful communicative opportunities for negotiation and interaction are needed (Beckett, 1999; Swain, 1995; Kern &Warschauer, 2000). Likewise, the integration of instructional materials (IMs) augments the stimulation of ideas for classroom activities (Cunnigsworth, 1995; Dudley-Evans &St.John, 1998). Hence, this paper aimed to reboot the ESL Classroom via technology-based instructional materials (TBIMs). Specifically, it sought answers to the following objectives: (1) identify the TBIMs in ESL classrooms; (2) determine the problems encountered on TBIMs; (3) present the implications of TBIMs; and (4) propose augmentation on TBIMs. The descriptive type of research and the stratified random sampling technique were employed. Respondents were drawn from the senior high school students of Grade 11 enrolled in English for Academic and Professional Purposes (EAPP) during first semester of school year 2017-2018, and five (5) English Language Teachers at San Francisco B National High School, Lopez, Quezon. The collection of data was accomplished through: (1) administration of a modified questionnaire on TBIMs and (2) conduct of a follow-up interview on the encountered problems and implications of TBIMs. The findings revealed that respondents have an unenthusiastic perception on the feasibility/effectiveness of TBIMsto supplement the teaching and learning of the language. Nevertheless, the findings showed more affirmative viewpoints that TBIMshad somehow increased their level of interest in English and boot up the ESL classroom as well. Even though TBIMs remained insufficient and usually unavailable, the researcher still considered the returns of being equipped with knowledge and gadgets. But still, in order to employ TBIMsin supplementing the English language teaching and learning, auxiliary and in-depth discussions and scrutiny about the applicability of TBIMs have to be made. A very short course or workshop (technology-based teaching and learning camp) is suggested to ESL teachers in order to help them increase knowledge in TBIMsand to create a link between the virtual world and the real world among the students.