Pursuing a standardized content of a CALL course for pre-service EFL teachers: the procedure, impacts, and reflections

Abstract

The aim of this study is to suggest and test a CALL syllabus designed in accordance with the TESOL Technology Standards for Language Teachers in terms of its efficiency and possible effects on English Language Teacher Education (ELTE) students’ ICT competencies acquisition. Employing both quantitative and qualitative data collection instruments, the study used a questionnaire and semi-structured interview. The participants were 95 pre-service EFL teachers studying at a state university in Turkey. Presenting the steps for creating a CALL syllabus based on TESOL Technology Standards for Language Teachers, the study revealed that there is a statistically significant difference in pre-service EFL teachers’ competencies in integrating pedagogical knowledge and skills with technology, feedback and assessment through technology, and using technology for communication and collaboration before and after the implementation of fourteen-week CALL syllabus. It was also found that the participants did not have enough knowledge on technology research, providing feedback, and integrating digital assessment tools into their teaching.

Keywords:

• Syllabus design
• CALL course
• digital pedagogy
• technology standards

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Emrah Ekmekçi

Dr. Emrah Ekmekçi currently works as an Associate Professor in the English Language Teacher Education Programme, Faculty of Education at Ondokuz Mayis University in Turkey. He holds a PhD from English Language Teacher Education Program at Gazi University. He is one of the editors of recently published books “Current Trends in ELT” and “Basics of ELT”. He also serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Language Research. His research interests include Foreign Language Teacher Education, Technology-Enhanced Language Learning and Teaching, Mobile and Computer-Assisted Language Learning, Flipped Learning, and Second Language Writing.