The paper titled "Teaching-Related Use of Social Media Among Saudi EFL Teachers: Revisiting the Innovative Technology" primarily focuses on exploring the use of social media tools by Saudi EFL (English as a Foreign Language) teachers. The study investigates the extent of social media usage for teaching purposes, the attitudes of teachers toward this usage, and the challenges they encounter.
The purpose of the study is to identify the level of interaction Saudi EFL teachers have with modern technologies, particularly social media, and how these tools are employed to achieve learning objectives. The study also aims to provide insights that could stimulate further research on the educational role of specific social media applications and programs.
The research methodology involved a descriptive survey method, utilizing a random sampling technique. Eighty-eight EFL teachers from primary, middle, and secondary schools in the Asir region of Saudi Arabia were selected. Data were collected using a questionnaire divided into four sections: basic data, extent of social media use, attitudes toward social media, and difficulties in using social media. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).
Key findings reveal that Saudi EFL teachers extensively use Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube for teaching purposes. The teachers exhibited a generally positive attitude toward the use of social media, acknowledging its role in enhancing communication and extending learning opportunities. However, challenges such as the lack of incentives for teachers, disparities in students' readiness, and inadequate internet services were identified as significant obstacles.
In conclusion, the study underscores the importance of integrating social media into educational practices to create an interactive teaching environment. The findings suggest that while social media can significantly enhance the teaching and learning process, there are notable challenges that need to be addressed, such as providing adequate support and resources for teachers. The study recommends revising training programs to incorporate best practices in using social media for educational purposes and encourages further research on the effectiveness of specific social media platforms in teaching English.