3rd Chapter of SRS-TEFLIN Webinar 2020

E-learning : Barriers, Implementation, and Reccomendation

E-Learning - Technophobia

Writing a Summary

Elearning is a method and process in learning that use technology (Rossi, 2009), uniting two
main areas , learning and technology (Aparicio et al, 2016), and knowledge transmitted through
electronic means (Wentling et al, 2000). Nwanewezi (2010) affirmed that technology has
become a powerful tool for education and economic development. But there are some EFL
learners that is technophobia. Jay (1981) defined it as a resistance to talk about computers or
even think about computers. Dhawan & Sharma (2015) stated that technophobia is feeling
uncomfortable in using technology and trying to avoid its use. Rosen and Maguire (1990)
explain that the technophobia is characterized by the emergence of negative attitudes to
technology. According to Felicia (2015), technophobia is growing continuously increasing
technology. Korunda & Finn (2003) affirmed that technophobia has been an enduring problem in
industrial economies over 20 years with some estimates putting the number of technophobes at
close to one third of the industrialized population of the world. Fear of technology plays a big
role in e-learning courses, the main learning devices id the computer, with which every student
has to work with and if they have fear or anxiety towards computers or any new technology, it
makes their e-learning careers fairly difficult. According to Govender (2016), there are at least 3
reasons why EFL learners are afraid of technology : (1) They dislike it. Students are reluctant to
use the platform as they trigger to their past memory, (2) They think it may give negative impact
to them, (3) It’s too challenging. Oluwalola (2015) said the solution of how to overcome this is
the teachers were affiliating to the private company and other third party. Scull (1999) said that
many students were able to develop strategies towards their anxiety by avoiding computer jagon
and asking friends for help. Sheeson (2015) said that the solution is increasing computer
confidence and computer experience, keep attitudes and thinking positively.The authors shows
up if technophobia is a problem for students in e-learning. These students lack the basic
computer and technology skills and they are reluctant to learn the use of any new technology
equipment or learning methods. Their emotions towards the computers and e-learning systems
are negative and problems of usage make them even worse. The negative cycle causes the
students to lose their interest in learning and looking for help. The key for these students would
be good and fast technical support and tutors helping them to get to the positive thinking mode
and therefore to the positive cycle that feeds the learning willingness and ability to handle the
obstacles better. Technophobia can be caused from several issues, and these reasons should be
found out to make these students get to the rising wave of e-learning studies. Otherwise they may
be in great risk of dropping out from the development of the learning nowadars, whether it is in
computer and technology. Therefore, ICT can be seen as a catalyst to e-learning advancement
and the importance cannot be overemphasized.
Writing a Synthesis

A learning system based on formalised teaching but with the help of electronic resources is
known as E-learning. While teaching can be based in or out of the classrooms, the use of
computers and the Internet forms the major component of E-learning. E-learning can also be
termed as a network enabled transfer of skills and knowledge, and the delivery of education is
made to a large number of recipients at the same or different times. Earlier, it was not accepted
wholeheartedly as it was assumed that this system lacked the human element required in
learning. The author’s aim in this webinar is want to find out what technophobia is, to find out
why EFL learners are so afraid of technology m and to find out how to solve technophobia.
Technophobia is defined as the action or behaviour of dislikes the technologies. It can be also
defined as the negative attitude towards computers or information technology. Technophobia is
often based on unfamiliarity with a medium. Yet, everyone must learn the use of technology, as
our educational system is becoming more and more dependent upon the use of advanced
technology. The author’s recommendation is (1) The government should assist by reducing the
high cost of hardware in the representative country, and internet tariffs. Teaching and learning of
computer that has been inculcated in both secondary schools and tertiary institutions in Indonesia
should be revisited, also institutions should be connected to internet, (2) Students should be made
to understand that computer education is a compulsory course that should be offered from
primary to tertiary education level, (3) The public and private organization need to be
synthesized on the importance of e-learning because not everybody can have the opportunities of
passing through traditional method of learning, (4) Always think positive towards technology
and practice it more to gain experience and confident, (5) Always ask your friends in need as it
will not lessen your knowledge