College Students’ Use of the Computer and Network-based Self-Access Centre and Their English Learning Achievement

Abstract

This study examined how Chinese College students’ use of the computer-based Self-Access Language Learning Centre affects their English learning. The study investigated whether the gender difference influences students’ perceptions of the Self-Access Centre and whether students’ use of the Centre helps improve their English learning. Data was collected through questionnaires and a survey given to 120 sophomores at a technology university in Hubei, China. The data showed 1) no significant relationship between gender and students’ perceptions of the use of SAC and 2) significant correlations between students’ satisfaction of the SAC environment and their Oral English improvement, between students’ beliefs of learning better in the SAC and the improvement in their listening ability. Based on the research results, it was suggested that to provide a relaxed and material-rich environment and to improve learners’ autonomous learning can help improve the effectiveness of students’ use of the SAC.