Language teachers’ immunity in technology-integrated classrooms in light of activity theory: A case of public chools versus private institutes

Abstract

Language teacher immunity (LTI), i.e., the ability to confront professional challenges, has recently gained momentum in applied linguistics research. However, the impact of technology integration on its development across diverse educational contexts has not yet received the attention it deserves. The present study aims to fill this gap by exploring the immunity of 10 language teachers from public and private institutions with respect to the integration of technological instruments in their actual practices. Data were collected through narrative frames and semi-structured interviews drawing on Activity Theory (AT). The data analysis revealed that both groups of teachers experienced maladaptive immunity due to insufficient infrastructure, inequitable assessment standards, lack of technological support, administrative greed, and inadequate TPACK in their educational environments. To address these triggers, public sector teachers endeavored to adapt external resources while private sector teachers practiced autonomy and engaged in professional development courses. The participating teachers found self-reliant strategies more beneficial and reported that engaging in these processes led to a range of self-perceptions, from feeling highly autonomous to feeling demotivated. This study provides implications for language teachers, policymakers, and teacher educators.