Exploring Barriers to Technology Integration among Iranian EFL Teachers across Educational and Professional Contexts

The integration of instructional technology has become a critical component of English language teaching, offering significant opportunities to enhance learner engagement, promote individualized instruction, and improve overall educational outcomes. Despite these benefits, many teachers continue to encounter substantial challenges in effectively incorporating technology into their teaching practices. This study examines the barriers faced by ۵۲ Iranian EFL high school teachers in Guilan, utilizing a researcher-developed ۳۲-item Barriers to Technology Integration (BTI) questionnaire. Exploratory Factor Analysis, conducted through Principal Components Analysis, identified two overarching categories of barriers: internal and external factors. Internal barriers primarily included limited computer literacy and insufficient professional training, whereas external barriers encompassed restricted access to technological resources and institutional constraints. While no significant gender differences were observed, teachers’ perceptions varied according to academic degree, participation in professional development courses, and years of teaching experience, though field of study did not appear to exert a significant influence. These findings highlight the complex interplay of personal, professional, and institutional factors that shape technology adoption in educational contexts. The study underscores the urgent need for targeted investment in technological resources and the implementation of systematic, continuous professional development programs for teachers. Addressing both internal and external barriers can facilitate more effective technology integration, ultimately enhancing instructional quality and learner outcomes in Iranian EFL classrooms.

کلیدواژه ها:

Technology Integration ، Iranian EFL Teachers ، Instructional Technology Barriers ، Educational and Professional Contexts ، Teacher professional development