The role of ICT in an EFL classroom and the impact of ICT activities on intrinsic motivation

Abstract

Society has undergone significant changes and the irruption of technologies is a key factor to take into consideration. Education must adapt to those changes, and therefore, innovation in education is needed. The introduction of ICT is essential for this innovation, since it will produce modifications in the teaching/learning processes. Moreover, ICT is a powerful tool to motivate students. In order to reflect upon these concepts, a theoretical background is included in this study. Firstly, this paper covers innovation in education; secondly, ICT in education; and finally, motivation. Relying on those concepts, the main aim of the present study is to examine the role ICT plays in an EFL 2nd of Bachillerato classroom and whether ICT activities increase the students’ perception of intrinsic motivation. Another secondary purpose of the research is to examine whether students are more able to work with computers after dealing with ICT activities. Consequently, 3 sessions including ICT activities are implemented in an EFL 2nd of Bachillerato classroom. The results from this research show that students do not use ICT to a great extent for many purposes in the EFL lessons. However, by implementing new technologies and innovative ways of teaching and learning, such as ICT activities, the students’ perception of intrinsic motivation increases, and they feel more competent to work with computers.