Junior High School English Teachers’ Perceptions and Usage of ICT: An Exploratory Analysis

Abstract

The Global and Innovation Gateway for All (GIGA) school concept could significantly change English education in Japan, but the actual situation regarding information and communications technology (ICT) usage remains unclear. This study explored the characteristics of ICT usage and its related perceptions among English teachers in Japanese junior high schools, with a focus on the teaching years. We used data from a questionnaire that was administered to 872 English teachers across Japan and conducted an exploratory analysis from multiple perspectives. We identified four teacher groups, each using ICT in different instructional situations. Regardless of teaching experience, English teachers had strong positive perceptions regarding ICT usage and believed that it could improve academic achievement. However, they perceived a certain lack of ICT-related knowledge and indicated a need for ICT-related teacher training. We discuss the issues that need to be addressed to promote teachers’ usage of ICT.