Abstract:
This study aimed at gaining insights into students’ attitudes in the learning English using the Smart Board or Interactive White Board (IWB) technology in EFL classrooms. The main goal of this paper is to evaluate students’ attitudes towards the use of Smart Board as an instructional tool on student motivation, participation, interaction and retention for learning English in Iranian schools. To achieve this aim, an observation was carried out during lessons in the classroom by the researcher. A questionnaire consisting of 20 questions was also developed by the researcher based on an extensive literature review as well as related instructional theories. The researcher also conducted an interview to find the effect of Smart Boards on student motivation, participation, interaction and retention of information in English classrooms. Analysis of these three instruments yielded patterns of responses concerning how Smart Board or IWB technology can motivate the students and increase their participation in classroom. The results of this study also indicate that students interact more in classrooms where technology is used effectively. Finally, it was found that Smart Boards enhance students' retention of information and learning process in EFL classrooms. The findings of the study will carry important implications for students, language instructors, and administrators as well.
Machine summary:
ir Abstract This study aimed at gaining insights into students’ attitudes in the learning English using the Smart Board or Interactive White Board (IWB) technology in EFL classrooms.
This paper aimed to evaluate students’ attitudes towards the use of Smart Board as an instructional tool on student motivation, participation, interaction and retention for learning English in Iranian schools.
The researcher finally conducted an interview to find the effect of Smart Boards on student motivation, participation, interaction and retention of information in English classrooms.
According to Türel (2012), the use of Smart Boards in today’s classrooms encourages students to learn and motivates even teachers to maintain an original and effective structure for teaching.
Considering the importance of students’ views about using instructional tools and their effects on the learning process, this study focuses on investigation of students’ attitudes towards utilizing Smart Boards as teaching aids on their motivation, participation, interaction and retention of information in Iranian classrooms.
3. Research Question Based on the stated problem and the purpose of this study the following question has been addressed: “What are the Iranian students’ attitudes towards the effect of Smart Board use on their motivation, participation, interaction and retention of information in EFL classrooms?” 4.
Classroom observation is a suitable way to construct a clear idea about the use of the Smart Board in EFL classroom, and therefore, to determine its effect on students’ motivation, participation, interaction and retention for learning English.