ESL Pupils' Acceptance towards Web-based Speaking Skills Resource: Sub-urban and Rural Context

Nurul Izzati Md Fuad,Maslawati Mohamad,Parilah Mohd Shah

doi:10.13189/ujer.2019.071711

Nurul Izzati Md Fuad, Maslawati Mohamad + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.13189/ujer.2019.071711

Copy DOI

Abstract

This paper presents the pupils' readiness towards the implementation of web-based speaking skills resource as a way to improve ESL pupils' speaking skills. The purpose of the study was to analyse the ESL pupils' readiness towards the implementation of web-based speaking skills resource in the sub-urban and rural settings. This study included 291 ESL pupils from sub-urban and rural schools and then utilised the web-based resource in the English lessons. The instrument was divided into six components which included (1) technology accessibility, (2) online skills and relationship, (3) motivation, (4) online discussion, (5) importance to success, and (6) problems in speaking skills to measure the ESL pupils' readiness. The findings showed high level of readiness among the ESL pupils in the sub-urban and rural context. The ESL pupils are ready to use web-based speaking skills resource to improve their speaking proficiency, however, more guidance and references should be given to ease their use. The web-based resource would change the teacher-based instructions to student-based learning which would enhance their motivation to practise conversing in English.

Highlights

Web-based learning is an integral part of 21st century education since it allows the ESL pupils to use the internet to learn ubiquitously [1]
Syamsul et al [17] findings indicated higher mean of online skills and relationship, this study focuses on secondary school pupils who are in sub-urban and rural context they did not receive sufficient training and opportunities to practice their online skills as compared to tertiary students
Since the ESL pupils from sub-urban and rural areas may not have sufficient exposure to the usage of web-based learning in speaking skills, there is a need for the instructors and web-developers to provide them with sufficient facilities, support and suitable content in order to allow the ESL pupils to benefit from the web-based learning [6, 7]

Summary

Introduction

Web-based learning is an integral part of 21st century education since it allows the ESL pupils to use the internet to learn ubiquitously [1]. In ESL context, the pupils are given opportunities to exchange their ideas and practice their speaking skills through the online interactions made possible by the web-based learning. Among the sub-urban and rural schools, web-based learning is seen as a novel effort to encourage the ESL pupils to use the internet to learn speaking skills. Despite the constraints of location and lack of fast internet connections and facilities in schools, web-based learning is still made possible through wireless handheld devices such as smartphones which are commonly used by the ESL pupils [1]

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion