The Availability and Use of Technology and Learning Resources in Translation Programmes

Abstract:

The purpose of the current descriptive analytic study was to explore the availability and use of technology and learning resources in translation programmes at Saudi universities. The sample of the current study was comprised of 200 translation students selected randomly from Saudi universities. The two research instruments for data collection both consisted of a 3-point Likert scale. Data were analyzed quantitatively and the results revealed that most participating students perceived a lack of translation labs, machine translation, translation software, printed media, audio and visual materials in universities. In addition, the findings showed a deficit in the utilization and adaption of technology and learning resources in translation programmes. This study suggests that Saudi universities not only need to acquire technologies and learning resources, but should also recruit motivating instructors who can use these tools in translation instruction.