Gender differences on the acceptance and barriers of ICT use in English language learning: Students’ perspectives

Abstract

Gender differences on the acceptance of ICT in English language learning is a vital component of the successful implementation of ICT in education. In this respect, the present study aims at exploring the gender differences on the acceptance and barriers of ICT use in English language learning from students’ perspectives at Takhar University, Afghanistan. A quantitative research method was utilized and a total of 152 respondents answered the questionnaires. The findings of the study indicated that the participants held positive perceptions in terms of the use of ICT in learning the English language at Takhar University. In addition to that, the study revealed that the common barriers to the use of ICT are the inadequacies in many aspects including internet/Wi-Fi, electricity, technological devices, ICT infrastructures, time and confidence in using ICT, sufficient training and support. This study is useful for curriculum developers and policy makers to make decisions concerning the development and implementation of ICT in learning the English language, particularly from the perspectives of students which take gender differences into account.