Multimedia instructional applications for pronunciation instruction in English as a foreign language setting in Saudi Arabia: A study of attitudes, beliefs, and pedagogies

Most of the technology related research in the field of educational technology concentrates on the study of the effectiveness of technology in the enhancement of a certain task such as learning or teaching. Less work has been done to examine how users of technology feel about it and how it changes their profession.;In this qualitative study, I examined how technology changed the way a group of 7 English language instructors teach English pronunciation. The study explored participants' attitudes and perceptions toward using technology in teaching pronunciation and changes in participants' pedagogical methods and role if technology is used. The main program that was used in this research was PronunciationPower 1 & 2 developed by English Computerized Learning, Inc.;This research was an attempt to deeply understand a situation of EFL education when technology is used. The study used interviews, observations, and field notes to answer research questions related to (1) participants' perceptions about the use of technology in language teaching; (2) the effect of the participants' beliefs and conceptualizations about the use of technology on the quality of their teaching and their motivations to use technology in their teaching; (3) changes in participants' pedagogical methods and roles if technology is used and the factors that may prevent effective use of technology; and (4) participants' beliefs about the factors that made them change from traditional teaching to technology-based teaching.;The findings of the present study indicated a positive attitude of participants' toward technology's potential in teaching English pronunciation. Participants expressed dramatic changes in their pedagogical methods and teaching roles. They also revealed that current use of technology was not adequate and needed improvement. This research showed the need for reform in order to integrate technology effectively in EFL education in Saudi Arabia. Suggestions are made for EFL teachers, learners, institutions as well as education policy makers in Saudi Arabia.