Bridging the Distance via Web Technologies: Review of Possibilities for Informal Language Learning for Lifelong

Che Wan Ida Rahimah Bt Che Wan Ibrahim Ibrahim

doi:10.13189/ujer.2020.082566

Abstract

In today's new economy characterized by globalisation, learning is shifting from teacher-centered to learner-centered and is undertaken in a flexible and personalized way. In view of the importance and ubiquity of Web technologies, this study was undertaken to examine the level of perceived proficiency in terms of knowledge/skills of using these technologies. In addition, this study was conducted to identify the amazing possibilities for Web technologies and related research that can facilitate the learner-users to see and act upon certain aspects of these technologies for informal lifelong language learning development. Primary data in this study were obtained from an on-line self-reported questionnaire survey. A total of 400 university students involved in informal English as a Second Language (ESL) learning at three public universities in the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia were selected randomly as the study sample. A descriptive analysis was chosen for the current study. The study found that university students have high levels of both, perceived competencies, and perceived potential benefits of Web applications for helping their language English over an entire lifetime. The application of Web technology is very important in the self-learning process because it catalyzes powerful learning for a lifetime. When learners utilise various Web resources, they satisfy their motivational needs if they feel enjoyment and therefore push behaviour in certain directions towards effective continuing informal learning.

Highlights

Today, by way of contrast, the individual can be in one place and the instructors, peers, and resources in another
Purpose of the Study This study aimed to explore the level of perceived proficiency in using Web technology in terms of knowledge and skills among university students for language learning
The highest mean value for the level of proficiency of using Web technology among university students is for the item "I am skillful at using Web tools to browse the latest information autonomously" with the mean value of 4.17 and at a high level of the standard deviation of 0.733

Summary

Introduction

By way of contrast, the individual can be in one place and the instructors, peers, and resources in another. The context of this research study is similar to the context of current learning trend which has shown that most young people’s Web activity takes place in informal, ongoing, and non-institutionalized learning contexts. Learners may empower their informal learning through the use of a variety of Web tools such as Facebook, Twitter, blog, and games. As stated by Wan (2013), informal learning for lifelong should not be regarded as an inferior form of learning but it needs to be seen as fundamental, necessary, and valuable in its own right.

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Discussion

Conclusion