International Journal of Education and Development using ICT

International Journal of Education and Development using ICT > Vol. 12, No. 2 (2016)

Teachers' perceptions on the effectiveness of using Arabic language teaching software in Omani basic education

Fatma yousuf Al-Busaidi, Sultan Qaboos University, Oman
Abdullah Al Hashmi, Sultan Qaboos University, Oman
Ali Al Musawi, Sultan Qaboos University, Oman
Ali Mahdi Kazem, Sultan Qaboos University, Oman

Abstract
This study is part of a 3-year strategic research project that aimed to assess the effectiveness of the design and use of new software for learning Arabic language. However, the focus of the current paper is to understand Arabic teacher’s perceptions on how they view the effectiveness of the software that was designed purposely by the project’s team to facilitate learning of Arabic language at the Omani basic education schools. More specifically, this qualitative study by using two qualitative methods; focus groups interview and semi-structured interview attempted to reflect on the ways in which using software technology is changing the profession of Arabic language teaching and learning by listening to the Arabic teachers voices. Study sample of the focus groups interview consisted of 12 Arabic language female teachers teaching in Muscat basic education cycle's schools. Nine of them have participated in semi-structured interviews. These interviews investigated the effectiveness and obstacles of using the Arabic language teaching software in teaching Arabic language along with the teachers’ perceptions for increasing its effectiveness. Overall findings indicated that teachers perceived the designed software as an effective tool to promote students’ learning that deal with their learning difficulties. However, some factors and obstacles that seemed to effect the implementation of this software and some improvement elements were suggested by these teachers to increase the level of the effectiveness of this software.

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