Cultural-historical activity theory as a framework for exploring pre-service teachers’ use of an intelligent tutoring system for English language proficiency

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine pre-service teachers’ perceptions of their use of an intelligent tutoring system (ITS) as an English language proficiency tool. Pre-service teachers’ perceptions were analysed using Engeström’s second-generation cultural-historical activity theory (CHAT). A qualitative interpretivist paradigm was used. Six pre-service teachers who were learning to be English home language teachers but were not English home language speakers were interviewed. The study’s findings indicated that when the ITS was integrated into an activity system for teaching and learning, participants had a favourable opinion of it. The ITS was perceived to aid pre-service teachers in enhancing their language skills and to be instrumental in achieving goals and objectives as a tool for learning.