الملخص الإنجليزي
This study investigates the use of instructional technology (IT) in teaching English as a foreign language (EFL) classes in Omani public schools based on teachers' perspectives. There has been a lack of literature regarding the utilization of IT in EFL classes in Omani public schools. In addition, there is a serious need to research this topic to inform educational decision makers when drawing strategic plans for ITrelated professional development for EFL teachers. The study uses a structured questionnaire to collect the required data regarding IT: types, purposes, and barriers. The study sample consists of 320 teachers of EFL in the public schools in South Batinah Governorate, Oman. These schools are categorized into three educational cycles: Cycle 1 (grades 1–4), Cycle 2 (grades 5– 10), and Post-Basic Cycle (grades 11–12). The results of this study show that:
1. EFL teachers find that software technologies are easier to use and more accessible than the other two types of IT: hardware and Web tools.
2. "Teaching" and "professional development" appear to be the primary purposes for using IT among EFL teachers.
3. The two major difficulties that the teachers face regarding the integration of IT in their EFL classes are "training" and "time."
4. There are no significant differences attributed to gender and age regarding the use of IT in EFL classes.
5. There are significant differences between the three educational cycles. regarding the use of IT in EFL classes.
Based on these results, some relevant recommendations and suggestions for further studies are stated.
Key words: instructional, technology, IT, EFL, Oman.
