Information and Communication Technology in Online Learning Mode Nouar Hanene PhD student in Applied Linguistics University of Constantine 01 Background to the Research 1. Definition of key Terms 2. Statement of the Problem 3. Research Questions and Aims 4. Research Hypothesis 5. Methodology 6. Discussion and analysis 7. Results 8. Pedagogical Recommendations Research Background In the last two decades, researchers began to investigate the impact of computer-supported learning: It can aid in collaboration, communication, curriculum design. ICT makes access to learning more flexible, professional and decreases difficulties, such as availability, time, and finances. It can support student centered learning. Thus, every teacher should use learning technologies to boost their student learning in every subject because it can nurture decision making, critical thinking, problem solving and reasoning behaviors of students. Currently, ICT has gained momentum as several universities and higher institutions are opting to utilize it to facilitate the learning and teaching experiences. “Today’s digital kids think of information and communications technology (ICT) as something akin to oxygen: they expect it, it’s what they breathe, and it’s how they live. They use ICT to meet, play, date, and learn. It’s an integral part of their social life; it’s how they acknowledge each other and form their personal identities” (Brown, 2002, p. 79) Brown (2002) argued that: “To succeed in our struggle to build technology and new media to support learning, Algeria like most developing countries wherein insecure economy, fragile ICT infrastructure, and general lack of resources etc, are the central issues that students face when attempting to rely on ICT. In fact, ICT offers potential for students to function, store, control, and retrieve data, reassure centered and active learning, also it can motivate students to continue learning even outside school hours, and prepare for their lessons. This way it can help them develop knowledge on their areas of interest. Also, ICT can facilitate sharing of knowledge and information, expertise and advice. Definition of Key terms o What is Information and Communication and Technology? According to ZI Akir (2006), it is “a term that refers to stand-alone computers, networked devices and telecommunication technologies with multimodal interface, mobile phones, devices, with capability to perform data communication and other technologies that allow multimodal and interactive communication.” o What is online learning mode? It is a learning experience in a synchronous or asynchronous settings using technological devices with the opportunity to access internet. o What is attitude in social sciences? It can be defined as “an overall, learned, core disposition that guides a person's thoughts, feelings and actions toward specific others and objects” (Middlebrook, 1980.p.157, cited in Paola-Roos, 2013). In other words, it is about having positive, negative, or uncertain opinions and feelings about some person, object, or issue. The ABC model of Attitude by Wenden (1991) Affective Behavioral Cognitive Statement of the Problem The sudden emergence of The Covid-19 pandemic has created several challenges and problematic aspects for the Algerian higher educational contexts. The real issue underlies the fact that it amplified the need for an immediate technological resolution. This has led to the usage of online learning courses instead of the formerly face- to face learning mode. Since the latter is unprecedented occurrence in an Algerian context, it is unsurprising that university students faced major challenges that can alter their attitude, hence, it can generate negative implications on their learning experiences. RESEARCH QUESTIONS The following study attempts to answer the following question: 1. What is the attitude of Algerian students towards using ICT, particularly in online learning mode? And to answer the following secondary question: To what extent do their positive/negative attitude affect their willingness to engage in online learning mode? Based on these research questions, the aims of the study are primarily dedicated at scrutinizing the attitude of Algerian students using ICT and secondarily to find out to what extent it affects its proper use in online learning. RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS The research hypothesizes that due to the lack of face-to-face interaction between the students and teachers, the former are unmotivated to engage in online learning mode. Research Methodology 1) This study opts for a descriptive quantitative method 2) The population: Algerian university students 3) Sample: Thirty (30) Students from the university of Constantine 1 (2022/2023) 4) Data collection tool: Likert Scale (Questionnaire) Data collection tool: Likert Scale (Questionnaire) Discussion and Analysis The Affective component analysis example: I feel that the computer makes learning experiences more enjoyable: Rating Scales Number of Pupils Percentage (%) Strongly Agree 3 10 % Agree 10 33,33% Neutral 2 6,66% Disagree 13 43,33% Strongly Disagree 2 6,66% Total: 30 100% Discussion and Analysis The cognitive component example: I think using technology is important for my education Rating Scales Number of Pupils Percentage (%) Strongly Agree 1 3,33% Agree 7 23,33% Neutral 10 33,33% Disagree 12 39,96% Strongly Disagree 0 0% Total: 30 100% Discussion and Analysis The Behavioral component example: I always use computers/phones to do my homework Rating Scales Number of Pupils Percentage (%) Strongly Agree 8 26,66% Agree 10 33,33% Neutral 2 6,66% Disagree 5 16,65% Strongly Disagree 5 16,65% Total: 30 100% Results Based on the interpretation of the scale’s results, it was found that: Most students possess high levels of negative cognitive and affective attitude toward the use of ICT, particularly in online learning mode. However, they possess positive behavioral attitude, which is very perplexing. It is important to note that in attitudinal language research, more attention has been given to the affective component, making it the root of all components (Azwar, 2016) They feel isolated and detached from their classmates and teachers, therefore, it affected their willingness to engage in online learning mode. The results indicate that there is a serious underlying issue in our educational system and must be addressed, especially, given the significance of ICT in the digital age. In conclusion, the application of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in online learning has the potential to revolutionize education, making it more accessible, engaging, and effective. Pedagogical Recommendations Teachers should encourage their students to use ICT during and outside classroom. Students should receive special training on how to use ICT. Students should engage in online learning activities to get maximal experience on the usage of ICT. Encouraging Technology-based courses is a solid solution. Bibliography