A Literature Review of the Barriers and Attitudes Towards ICT Integration in the EFL Classroom

Abstract

The use of information and communication technology (ICT) has become more widespread in all areas of the world which has made it more relevant to use ICT in schools as well. Therefore, it is important to understand what barriers can block the integration of ICT in the English as a foreign language (EFL) classroom. This literature review aims to investigate what types of barriers hinder teachers from using ICT in the EFL classroom. Simultaneously, it aims to investigate what types of barriers and factors teachers perceive stop them from integrating ICT in their teaching, as well as the effect they have on teachers’ attitudes towards ICT integration. The review includes 11 contemporary studies from various parts of the world. All the included studies were published between the years 2016–2022. Nine main factors have been found, infrastructure, time, training, support, confidence, competence, resistance to change, perceptions and demographics, which acts as barriers affecting teachers’ perception and attitudes regarding the integration of ICT in the EFL classroom. Although the research in this review is rather unanimous there are some studies that point to the contrary regarding the effect age, gender, time and experience has on the integration of ICT in the EFL classroom.