Multimedia Glosses for Enhancing Specific English Vocabulary: Saudi Vision 2030 and Transformation of Learning

Abstract

The present study investigated the role and influence of multimedia glosses on the learning of specific English vocabulary. This is in exact line with the recommendations of Saudi vision-2030 regarding technology integration for education. The vision advocates transformation of curricula and methods of teaching. Covid-19 pandemic taught us many lessons regarding limitations of traditional classrooms and routine teaching methods. In total, 52 learners of English for Specific purposes (ESP) were chosen following purposive-convenient sampling and grouped into control and experimental groups: n=25 and n=27 respectively. A test of specific English vocabulary was given to both the groups to further test them and ensure they were equal in level. Later, the learners were asked to attend 8 week reading sessions which utilised the experimental group in which the learners were exposed to practice reading computerized texts that integrated glosses. On the other hand, the controlled group took same reading texts, however without any glosses.  When the training session (treatment) got over, the Specific English vocabulary test was given to both groups to investigate if there existed and significant difference in the learning of Specific English. Data analysis showed a significant difference between the learning of the two groups. Findings of the study demonstrated that multimedia glosses were helpful in enhancing learning of English for specific purposes (Medical English).