Advantages and Drawbacks to Using Internet-based Activities in Young Learners Classrooms

The purpose of this study was to investigate the perspectives of teachers of young learners about the advantages and drawbacks to integrating technology into English language classrooms. To this end, a semi-structured interview was conducted with 95 Iranian teachers of young learners who were teaching in different schools and institutes in Iran. The results of the study revealed that the limited computer facilities, lack of administrative support provided by schools and institutes, teachers lack of skills, lack of time, and the lack of technology-based teacher training programs were the most frequent challenges of teachers for integrating technology into young learners’ classes. However, technology-enhanced instruction was found to be interesting, motivating, and more engaging to young learners than the traditional ways of teaching. Technology was also found to provide a variety of authentic and age-related materials enhancing autonomy and language learning.

Keywords:

teachers of young learners , advantages , drawbacks , internet-based activities