ICT USE AND INSTRUCTION MODES IN PANDEMIC AND POST-PANDEMIC CONTEXTS: A STUDY ON ESP STUDENTS' MOTIVATION AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

The implementation of information and communication technology became crucial amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. Several studies have been carried out on the effect of technology-mediated instruction modes on learners from diverse educational backgrounds, yet few articles have discussed the pandemic aftereffects in ESP students. This study seeks to investigate the use of technologies and the impact of the pandemic on ESP students' motivation and academic outcomes. Data was collected from 116 students assigned to three groups, the Experimental 1 group (N=39) and the Control group (N=48) data was gathered in 2021-2022 post-pandemic context. The Experimental group 2 (N=29) data collection took place in 2020-2021 pandemic context. A medium-impact blend ESP course was implemented with both Experimental groups while the Control group experienced coursebook based traditional instruction. Group comparisons revealed the detrimental effects of the pandemic and the positive impact of the ICT-mediated medium blend implementation on both students' motivation and academic outcomes. These findings contribute to identify the pandemic aftereffects and the challenges for all of the stakeholders in this particular context.