WHAT CONSTITUTES AN EDUCATIONAL TOOL TO OMANI/ARAB LEARNERS?

This research explores what constitutes an educational tool for students in the Sultanate of Oman, using a quantitative questionnaire with face-to-face semi-structured interviews. Students and teachers at Nizwa College of Technology and Salalah College of Technology participated in the study. Educational tools are widely used as part of instruction today, but they are still a relatively new aspect of education in this region. Accordingly, the findings of the study are relevant to educators in the Omani educational system, as well to educators of Arab learners in general. This study examines four specific educational tools, namely email, Facebook, instant messaging, and cell phones. The findings indicate that students and teachers agree on what is considered an educational tool but also lack information and knowledge of how to integrate them into their learning and teaching. This paper provides insight into the mindset of Omani/Arab learners and those educators responsible for integrating educational technology in the region.