Abstract
Computer-assisted language learning (CALL) has played an important role in language curriculums for Chinese schools and university over two decades; however, few researchers rare focused on this applicable tool from students’ views. Based on theories of human agency, it is essential to know people’ attitudes and acceptance of the information technology (Rogers, 1983). Hence, this paper explores university students’ attitudes on the widespread teaching and learning approaches utilising computer-assisted language learning in the subject university in mainland China. Data was collected by using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Current computer-related behaviours were investigated by using a questionnaire; while their attitudes towards the application of CALL in universities was further explored by adopting a semi-structured interview. On the one hand, the results of the survey present that students do not use computers to assist their English learning. However, on the other hand, the interviews indicate that students hold a positive attitude on applying CALL in English classes if efficient guidance is available. It suggests that more accompanied trainings and workshops would be provided in Chinese mainland universities for university students to improve their capacities of applying CALL to their English learning.
Highlights
Emails, the World Wide Web and various digital technologies have been widely used over the past two decades
It suggests that more accompanied trainings and workshops would be provided in Chinese mainland universities for university students to improve their capacities of applying Computer-assisted language learning (CALL) to their English learning
It can be seen that most students do not like using CALL quite often to assist their English learning as the medians of most questions were less than 3, the use of it out of classes
Summary
The World Wide Web and various digital technologies have been widely used over the past two decades. E-related educational techniques and devices are popular among schools and teachers. CALL is one form of those applicable technologies, especially in the field of language education, it is still a sector of “Cinderella” education in mainland China (Furstenberg, 1997). Some researchers believed this IT tool is a panacea for language learning and teaching and is a counter-measure to serious concerns in language learning and teaching Markee(1997) argued that program developers ignored the role of innovation participants in the early 1980s, which caused the lack of computer utilization in education. Warschauer(2002) claims that it plays an important role in human capacity and motivation for technological innovations
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
