TEACHERS' USE AND KNOWLEDGE OF ELECTRONIC DICTIONARIES

Abstract

Research shows that electronic dictionaries have become popular in many South and East Asian countries. Advances in technology have helped electronic dictionaries become easily available. In Thailand, a growing number of Thai students are using various modes of electronic dictionaries i.e. pocket electronic dictionaries, dictionaries on CD-ROM, or online dictionaries. It is assumed that teachers are not familiar with the electronic dictionaries their students are using. The knowledge of and attitudes toward electronic dictionaries among teachers are an important factor in the process of EFL learning and teaching, and the learners’ success or failure with the language. This study, therefore, presents a survey on teachers’ own use and knowledge of electronic dictionaries. Seventy-eight teachers of English from eight universities in Thailand were asked about their experience of, and attitudes toward electronic dictionaries. The results of the questionnaire show a current situation of dictionary use in Thailand that most teachers did not use electronic dictionaries, were uninformed about them, and had little idea about the lexicographical content of electronic dictionaries. They were not aware of many technological features that were contained in electronic dictionaries. The results may help teachers be better informed about electronic dictionaries so that they can be in a better position to provide authoritative advice to students on how to buy and use electronic dictionaries effectively.

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