Exploring the role of context and collaboration in normalising technology use in English language teaching in secondary schools in Malaysia

Abstract

This study explores the extent to which technology use has become normalised in English classes in secondary schools across Malaysia, and the role of context and community within the normalisation process. The approach taken was qualitative, using online surveys and interviews to investigate English language teachers’ experiences with using technology in their classes. The results of the study indicate that normalisation is occurring to some extent within the setting, with the degree of normalisation significantly affected by both contextual factors and the way the teaching community operates. The study also suggests that normalisation itself should be viewed as a more complex, dynamic, context-dependent and community-based concept than previously recognised. This study may therefore be of interest to policy makers, school administrators and teachers working towards incorporating and normalising technology in teaching and learning.

Keywords:

• Normalisation
• context
• community
• collaboration
• technology
• language teaching

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kevin Balchin

Kevin Balchin is the Director of the Centre for Language and Linguistics at Canterbury Christ Church University. He has been working at the University since 2002 and before that taught English as a Foreign Language in Spain and Russia. He contributes to various programmes including the BA English Language, MA TESOL and PhD Applied Linguistics. He has also been involved in international projects and research in the field of English language education in Malaysia and Bangladesh.

Carol Wild

Carol Wild is a Senior Lecturer in the Centre for Language and Linguistics at Canterbury Christ Church University. She contributes to various programmes including the BA English Language and MA TESOL. She has also been involved in teacher development workshops on the use of technology for teaching and learning in Malaysia and curriculum development projects in Palestine and Bangladesh.