LEVERAGING DLO IN ELP CLASSROOMS: INSIGHTS FROM ASPIRING EDUCATORS

Abstract

Digital Learning Object (DLO) refers to a self-contained unit of instructions or activities designed using any digital resource or medium to facilitate teaching and learning in a digital environment. The shift of language learning from Google Classrooms to augmenting the Google Site as a form of DLO has changed how lecturers and students deal with teaching and learning activities.  Therefore, this study explores the teacher trainees’ perceptions of using DLO in English Language Proficiency (ELP) classrooms and its effect on their 6C’s global competencies. A purposive sampling technique was employed to collect qualitative data from five classes of teacher trainees enrolling in ELP course. Data were gathered from Focus Group Discussions (FGD), video-recorded students’ reflections, the Curriculum Implementation Evaluation Report (CIER), and teacher trainees’ reflections in Padlets. The audio recordings of the FGD and video recordings of the reflections were transcribed verbatim, and later all the data were analysed thematically. The emerging themes are: (i) DLO makes learning more organised and efficient; (ii) DLO paves the way for new digital tool knowledge; (iii) DLO creates a new learning environment; and (iv) DLO helps teacher trainees learn new vocabulary. Besides, DLO also boosts teacher trainees’ 6C’s global competencies. Findings are significant to English Language teaching and learning by offering some insights for designing activities beyond the classrooms by augmenting the Google sites.