IDENTIFYING GENDER-BASED DIFFERENCES IN SKILLS TO USE COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY AMONG EFL TEACHERS AT HIGHER SECONDARY LEVEL IN PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Present research is aimed to identify gender-based differences in skills to use computer technology as well as finding out issues and challenges faced by English teachers at Higher   Secondary level in  Punjab, Pakistan. This study was quantitative in nature and used descriptive survey design questionnaire. Using Five point Likert scale type, data were collected from 150 EFL teachers (100 males and 50 female) who were engaged in teaching at higher secondary schools in District Okara in Punjab. The data were analyzed on SPSS with descriptive analysis of teachers’ responses while t-test was applied to calculate differences in skills between male and female teachers to use computer for teaching English. The findings revealed that there was marked difference of skills to use computer between both EFL teachers.  However, issues and challenges e.g., non-availability of the computers and laptops, shortage of electricity, no pre-induction training, theoretical based course work, lack of interest from the old English teachers towards learning or using computers, insufficient time for CALL implementation were seen common among EFL teachers. Besides, female teachers were observed weaker to operate computers. Due to domestic responsibilities, they could not afford extra time for learning computers. But those male and female teachers who could use computers, reported that there were no computers to use for EFL class. Even if computers were available, shortage of electricity caused hurdles as there was no alternate. Finally, without finding solutions to the issues and challenges, use of computer technology in EFL classes is not effective. Therefore, the policy makers, stake holders and administrative staff should address these issues and challenges so that advantages of computer technology in EFL class might be effective for EFL learners in Pakistan.