La Integración de la Tecnología en la Enseñanza del Idioma Inglés: Beneficios, Herramientas y Desafíos en Colegios y Universidades Ecuatorianas

This research explores the integration of technology into English Language Teaching (ELT) in Ecuador, analyzing perceived benefits, commonly used tools, and persistent challenges among secondary and university instructors. Fifty teachers (30 from secondary education, 20 from higher education) completed a 20-item questionnaire. Findings reveal a strong consensus on the advantages of technology, including enhanced access to authentic materials (M = 4.53, SD = 0.62), personalization of learning (M = 4.38, SD = 0.75), increased interactivity (M = 4.20, SD = 0.81), and the fostering of 21st-century competencies (M = 4.05, SD = 0.88). The most frequently used tools were online platforms (88%), mobile applications (76%), and multimedia resources (70%). Key challenges included limited access to devices and connectivity (54%), gaps in teachers’ digital competencies (46%), and difficulties in selecting pedagogically sound tools (38%). Significant differences were found between secondary and university educators in platform use (t(48) = 2.12, p = .039) and between urban and rural teachers in technology access (χ²(1, N = 50) = 6.72, p = .010). Suggested strategies include ongoing professional development, the establishment of curated repositories of validated tools, and the implementation of institutional policies to promote equitable technology access. This study provides context-specific empirical evidence and actionable recommendations for strengthening technology-enhanced ELT in Ecuador.