Turkish students' and teachers' attitudes toward the use of interactive whiteboards in EFL classrooms

Abstract

This study explored the attitudes of students and teachers toward the use of interactive whiteboards (IWBs) in a foreign language teaching and learning context. The study also investigated possible factors affecting teachers' and students' attitudes toward IWB technology. Data were collected through questionnaires distributed to 458 students and 82 teachers in different institutions across Turkey, ranging from primary schools to universities. Questionnaire results revealed that both students and teachers have generally positive attitudes toward the use of IWBs in language instruction and are aware of the potential uses of this technology. The statistical analysis revealed that the more teachers use IWBs, the more they like this technology. It was also found that as the number of hours of IWB exposure increases, students' awareness of the distinctiveness of IWB technology increases. Suggestions are made for further research and for administrators considering whether or not to invest in IWBs.