Fusing Digital Tools with Traditional Teaching Methods and the Effects on Skill Development in Second Language Context

Abstract

The development of technology has significantly reshaped education in the 21st century. Over time education was dominated by traditional teaching methods like lectures and textbook, the emergence of technology gave a new opportunity for enhancing teaching by using digital tools like tablets, computers, and AI bots. This study aims to examine the effect of fusing digital tools with traditional teaching methods and their effect on skill development on EFL learners by asking four main questions: 1. Do EFL teachers integrate digital tools with traditional teaching methods in their classes? 2. Are EFL teachers trained to integrate digital tools with traditional teaching methods? 3. How do teachers and learners perceive the impact of digital tools on the development of the four language skills? 4.What is the impact of digital tool integration on students‘ engagement and motivation?To achieve this goal, a descriptive research methodology is adopted. Data was collected through a questionnaire administered to 41 third year English students and an interview conducted with six EFL teachers at the department of foreign languages, University of Mila. The primary findings show that the fusing of digital tools with the traditional teaching methods play a significant role in improving learners‘ speaking, listening, writing, and reading skills and it helped the students‘ level to progress and increased engagement.