Skip to main content
Contribution to Book
Investigating foreign language graduate student instructors’ perceptions and use of technology in the classroom
Educating the future foreign language professoriate for the 21st century (2011)
  • Joshua J. Thoms, Utah State University
Abstract
This study investigates how graduate student instructors (GSIs) in several universities across the United States perceive and make use of technology to teach foreign language (FL) courses. Results indicate that while the majority of GSIs receive some kind of training in computer assisted language learning (CALL) upon entering their programs, much of the training focuses on technologies that are not Web 2.0 tools (e.g., wikis, blogs, social networking sites). Specifically, participants indicate that they use PowerPoint, grammatical and lexical websites, and discussion boards most often in teaching. Survey results also suggest that lack of planning time, limited online exercises that accompany their textbook, and teaching in a classroom without media were significant factors impeding their use of technology in their courses. Suggestions are offered regarding how CALL training can be improved for GSIs to better prepare them for their future careers in academia.
Keywords
  • investigating,
  • foreign language,
  • graduate student,
  • perceptions,
  • technology,
  • classroom
Publication Date
2011
Editor
H. Maxim, H. W. Allen
Publisher
Heinle Cengage Learning
Citation Information
Investigating foreign language graduate student instructors’ perceptions and use of technology in the classroom. In H. Maxim & H. W. Allen (Eds.), Educating the future foreign language professoriate for the 21st century (pp. 192–211). Boston: Heinle Cengage.