Doctoral Candidate Brochure: Noor Q. Agustina
Doctoral Dissertation Defense
of
Noor Q. Agustina
For the degree of
Doctor of Philosophy
Curriculum and Instruction
A Survey on English Instructors' Perception of Digital Learning Tools in Language Teaching at University Language Centers in Indonesia
June 20, 2025
7:00–9:00 A.M.
Microsoft Teams
A Survey on English Instructors' Perception of Digital Learning Tools in Language Teaching at University Language Centers in Indonesia
University language centers are important for university students' language mastery in Indonesia. Situated within the formal education of higher education in Indonesia, the teaching and learning process is mostly conducted within the classroom context and supported by the Digital Learning Tools (DLT). This research aims to reveal the English instructors' perception of using DLT in their language instruction within the classroom context, the challenges of using DLT for language instruction, and the support needed. The research instrument was developed based on the Teacher Effectiveness of Language Learning (TELL) Framework, specifically from the Learning Tools Domain, which divides teaching into language and cultural competence.
This study used descriptive quantitative research with a survey design. The questionnaire consisted of demographic and perception questions using four Likert Scales and open-ended questions. The participants are English instructors teaching at universities whose language centers are members of FILBA (Language Centers Professional Organization of Indonesia). The survey was distributed using the Qualtrics online survey. The quantitative data from the closed-ended questions were analyzed using the descriptive statistics presented in percentages. The open-ended question that yields qualitative data was analyzed using thematic analysis.
The result is that the English instructors perceived a high possibility of using DLT for language instruction in the classroom context. The English instructors also use various DLTs to teach specific teaching needs, such as teaching receptive and productive skills, as well as teaching cultural competence. However, the capability of gadget specification covers the teaching needs, such as internet connection, the technological competence to operate the gadget, and how to modify it to meet the pedagogical needs. Therefore, English instructors need support for adequate facilities, including the network, gadgets, and training for professional development. This research provides valuable input for language centers and universities about the preconditioning to integrate the DLT into the learning process. The concern is not only about the availability of the facilities but also about regular training for English instructors in both technological and pedagogical competence.
About the Candidate
Noor Q. Agustina
M.Hum, Master of English Language Studies
Sanata Dharma University, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
S.Pd., Bachelor of English Education
Yogyakarta State University, Indonesia
Noor’s passion for English teaching and language centers has been the driving force of her career from the very beginning. Her dissertation builds upon the research she conducted for her master’s thesis, which explored the professional development of English instructors within language center management.
Beyond teaching, Noor has held several leadership roles that have shaped her expertise. In 2009, she became an academic manager, and the following year, she was appointed as the head of UMY’s Language Centers, a position she held for eight years. In May 2018, she was named secretary of FILBA, a nationwide professional organization for language centers in Indonesia. Shortly afterward, in July 2018, she embarked on a new journey to the United States to pursue her doctoral degree.
Noor earned her bachelor’s degree in English Education from Yogyakarta State University in 2000 and completed her master’s degree at Sanata Dharma University in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. She began her career as an English instructor in university language centers but ultimately chose to dedicate her work to the University of Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY), one of Indonesia’s top Muhammadiyah Higher Education Institutions. Today, she serves as a faculty member in UMY’s English Language Education Department and contributes to teacher training at Mentari Teachers Academy (MTA).
Her commitment to academic excellence was recognized in 2018 when she was awarded the prestigious Fulbright Scholarship, enabling her to pursue a doctoral degree at Kent State University in Ohio, USA. Additionally, she secured research funding from the American Indonesian Cultural & Educational Foundation (AIECF) and the Kent State University Graduate Student Senate (GSS) Research Award, further supporting her scholarly contributions. Noor’s journey reflects a deep dedication to advancing English education and fostering professional growth in language centers. Through her leadership, research, and teaching, she continues to make a meaningful impact in the field.
Doctoral Dissertation Committee
Director
Dr. Bridget K. Mulvey
Associate Professor
School of Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Studies
College of Education, Health and Human Services
Members
Timothy Rasinski, Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus
School of Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Studies
College of Education, Health and Human Services
Dr. Brian J. Baer
Professor
Modern and Classical Language Studies
College of Arts and Sciences
Ryan T. Miller, Ph.D.
Professor
TESL Program
Department of English
College of Arts and Sciences
Graduate Faculty Representative
Dr. Julia Huyck
Associate Professor
School of Health Sciences
College of Education, Health and Human Services