A SURVEY OF EFL TEACHERS’ DIGITAL LITERACY: A REPORT FROM A JAPANESE UNIVERSITY
A SURVEY OF EFL TEACHERS’ DIGITAL LITERACY: A REPORT FROM A JAPANESE UNIVERSITY

Summary/Abstract: Despite calls for contemporary English teachers to have strong digital literacy skills, there is a reported lack of digital training in English teacher education programs (Hubbard, 2008; Kessler, 2006). However, in this environment where higher-level digital skills and knowledge are criteria for prospective English teacher applicants, which digital literacies do contemporary EFL teachers possess? How confident are they using technology to augment their English lessons? How can the digital literacies of in-service EFL teachers be developed? This study aimed to survey the digital literacies of 42 English teachers employed at a private Japanese University. The questionnaire (adapted from Son, Robb & Charismiadji, 2011) considers ownership and accessibility to computers, ability to perform tasks electronically, personal and professional use of computers, CALL training, and interest in CALL. In short, this study found that teachers in this English program were very confident using digital technology to support their teaching both inside and outside their classrooms. In addition, respondents recognised the importance of developing their digital literacies and they were actively pursuing advanced skills.

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