Proceedings of the 8th International Conference on Research in Teaching and Education
Year: 2024
DOI:
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Strategically Optimizing Integration for Effective Course Design with Information and Communication Technology
Rumi Tobita
ABSTRACT:
This study explores the effective utilization of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the design of English for Specific Purposes (ESP) courses. With the global shift to online education during the Covid-19 pandemic, the significance of ICT in education has reached unprecedented heights. Despite the implementation of various online tools and platforms, the effectiveness of these classes compared to traditional face-to-face instruction remains uncertain. This research acknowledges that variations in teachers’ ICT literacy contribute to differences in course content. In light of current circumstances, this study specifically investigates the impact of teachers’ ICT literacy on teaching outcomes in ESP courses within engineering universities. The findings indicate that teachers with low ICT literacy demonstrate lower classroom outcomes compared to those with high ICT literacy. Additionally, significant differences in outcomes between online and face-to-face classes are observed for teachers with low ICT literacy. These results suggest that online classes may not be as effective as their traditional counterparts, particularly when considering variations in teachers’ ICT literacy. Drawing from these findings, the study introduces strategies for effective ICT use and highlights key considerations when incorporating new ICT tools. A pilot class utilizing the metaverse is presented as a case study. The outcomes of this research offer insights applicable to various subjects, providing valuable considerations for educational research and practice.
Keywords: active learning, course design, English for Specific Purposes (EPS), learning management systems (LMS), metaverse