Challenges of Using Technology in Foreign Language Classrooms: Iranian EFL Teachers’ Perspectives

The integration of technology in foreign language (FL) classrooms has become increasingly prevalent, yet it presents a myriad of challenges that teachers must navigate. As FL classrooms increasingly adopt technological tools, understanding these challenges is crucial for effective implementation. So, the present study aims to explore the primary obstacles faced by English-as-a-foreign-language (EFL) teachers when implementing technology in classrooms. The participants were eight Iranian EFL teachers working in a private English language teaching institute in Mashhad, northeastern Iran. It was decided to use semi-structured interviews for exploring the challenges of using technology in foreign language classrooms as they can provide valuable insights into the experiences and perceptions of teachers. Data analysis involved coding the collected data to identify recurring themes and patterns related to the challenges of using technology in EFL classrooms. Analyzing the data revealed several recurring themes that highlight the obstacles and challenges of using technology in EFL classrooms such as limited access to technological resources, lack of technological skills and knowledge, and time constraints. It is suggested that by addressing these challenges through improved infrastructure, targeted professional development, and thoughtful curriculum design the benefits of technology in FL education are enhanced.

کلیدواژه ها:

Technology Integration Challenges ، Foreign Language Classrooms ، EFL Teachers.