Language teachers’ ICT up-take in a single university in the developing country Kazakhstan

Abstract

This article presents the findings of a pioneering study examining the utilization of information and communication technology (ICT) among English, Russian, and Kazakh language teachers at a university in Kazakhstan. The study involved 111 instructors from three departments, aiming to explore their use of ICT as a teaching tool and identify the factors influencing its adoption. Data were collected through questionnaires and follow-up semi-structured interviews, focusing on the present state of ICT use, teachers' ICT skills and available training, and the factors that encourage or discourage ICT integration in language teaching. The results indicate that most teachers possessed personal computers for classroom use and demonstrated satisfactory ICT skills. However, their computer use was predominantly limited to PowerPoint presentations, although instances of creative ICT applications were observed. Positive factors influencing ICT use included teachers' willingness to incorporate ICT in their teaching, which benefited both teachers and learners. Conversely, negative factors encompassed inadequate professional support, insufficient training opportunities, and the need for a more comprehensive approach to ICT integration. The study recognizes the essentiality and advantages of ICT for language teaching and learning, underscoring the necessity for additional training to enhance teachers' understanding of technology and promote effective ICT incorporation. The authors propose tailored professional development activities that address the specific context of language teaching and learning to provide the required support for ICT integration. Further, it sheds light on the utilization of ICT among language teachers at a Kazakh university, highlighting the factors influencing its adoption and the need for further training. The findings emphasize the potential benefits of ICT in language education and call for tailored professional development initiatives to enhance teachers' ICT skills and facilitate comprehensive ICT integration in language instruction.