AWERProcedia
Information Technology
& Computer Science
Vol 04 (2013) 602-607
3
rd
World Conference on Innovation and Computer Sciences 2013
Tablet PCs in English Language Teaching: Benefits and Challenges
Perihan Savas *, Middle East Technical University, Faculty of Education, Department of Foreign
Language, Education, Ankara, 06800, Turkey.
Suggested Citation:
Savas, P. Tablet PCs in English Language Teaching: Benefits and Challenges. AWERProcedia Information
Technology & Computer Science. [Online]. 2013, 04, pp 602-607. Available from: www.awer-
center.org/pitcs
Received November 15, 2012; revised January 23, 2013; accepted March 20, 2013.
Selection and peer review under responsibilitLJ of Pƌof. Dƌ. FahƌettiŶ “adıkoglu, Neaƌ East UŶiǀeƌsitLJ.
©ϮϬϭϯ AĐadeŵiĐ Woƌld EduĐatioŶ & ReseaƌĐh CeŶteƌ. All ƌights ƌeseƌǀed.
Abstract
The main purpose of the study presented here was to explore the perceptions of 40 English as foreign language pre-service
teachers about the benefits and challenges of the use of Tablet PCs in English Language Teaching (ELT). Data collection and
analysis in the study were done mainly by qualitative means via two Tablet PC use surveys in which participants answered
open-ended questions. Findings of the study showed that both benefits and challenges of the use of Tablet PCs in ELT could
be categorized under four main themes: a. Instructional, b. Technological, c. Motivational, and d. Functional. In addition,
based on the perceptions of the participants, the benefits of the Tablet PCs outweighed their challenges. It is recommended
that both teachers and students should receive training especially in the technical aspects of Tablet PCs to increase the
benefits of these devices as effective tools of instruction in English classrooms.
Keywords: Tablet PCs, benefits and challenges, English language teacher education;
*ADDRESSES FOR COURROSPONDANCE: Perihan Savas, Middle East Technical University, Faculty of Education, Department
of Foreign Language Education, Ankara, 06800, Turkey, E-mail Address: perihan@gmail.com