Impacts of flipped classrooms on learner attitudes towards technology-enhanced language learning

Abstract

This study investigates self-reported attitudes about technology-enhanced language learning in the flipped classroom across borders in three tertiary-level contexts. As a method to address students’ needs for twenty-first century education, the flipped classroom pedagogical approach was chosen to explore student attitudes towards technology for language learning in credit-bearing language courses in USA and Macau and non-credit-bearing courses in Colombia. This study implemented an experimental design with a mixed methods approach for data collection. Data was collected from a technology survey, focus group sessions, and reflective essays. Before each class, students in the experimental groups in all three countries previewed lessons and engaged in activities through online videos and screencasts in order to better prepare for in class activities. Results showed that the USA experimental group showed a statistically significant difference in all self-reported attitudes in using technology for language learning overtime. Between groups statistical analyses found flipped classrooms experienced a statistically significant different change in self-reported attitudes on instrumentality, digital literacy, and anxiety. Overall, students in the USA and Columbian contexts may have less anxiety about using technology for language learning in a flipped classroom, and the flipped classroom may positively impact students’ attitudes towards technology in Columbia, Macau, and USA.