ERIC Number: ED571500
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2015
Pages: 26
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-2340-8561
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
ICT Use and Perceived Effectiveness in an Adult EFL Learning Context
Hughes, Stephen P.; Tulimirovic, Bojana
Online Submission, Revista de lenguas para fines específicos v21 n1 p15-40 2015
Information and communication technologies (ICTs) are firmly established in language learning contexts, yet there are still many questions in relation to how widely they are employed and, indeed, how useful they are in developing all aspects of communicative competence. With a cohort of four teachers and one hundred students, this study examines learners' digital habits and their perceived usefulness of online computer-assisted language training in an official state-funded language school for adults. Students express perceptions through an anonymous questionnaire with open and closed questions in relation to how often they used ICTs and the level of usefulness of these technologies. Teachers provide additional data by means of a semi-structured interview. In general, teachers and students coincide in their belief that ICTs are useful for language learning, but also express difficulties in finding appropriate resources, despite (or even as a result of) the vast number of available websites and pages. Results from students point to a tendency to use ICTs mostly to improve pronunciation, listening comprehension, and reading and less for oral interaction. In addition, the frequency with which female participants use ICTs to improve oral expression, reading and grammar is significantly higher than male students. This study concludes by drawing attention to the need for training of students and teachers in ICT use and to the desirability of following a sound and shared policy in language learning contexts. The following are appended: (1) Questions contained in student survey (translated); and (2) Questions contained in the semi-structured interview (translated).
Descriptors: Information Technology, Pronunciation, English (Second Language), Second Language Learning, Listening Comprehension, Teaching Methods, Communicative Competence (Languages), Computer Assisted Instruction, Student Attitudes, Questionnaires, Semi Structured Interviews, Language Teachers, Grammar, Gender Differences, Teacher Education, Technology Integration, Educational Policy, Foreign Countries, Language Usage, Learning Motivation, Anxiety, Likert Scales
Publication Type: Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Spain
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A