The Impact of Using the Word Processor to Develop EFL Learners' Writing Skill at Al-Imam Mohammad Ibin Saud Islamic University

Abstract

This study aims at investigating the impact of using the word processor for improving EFL learners' writing performance at Al-Imam Muhammad Bin Saud Islamic University. It was conducted in the Department of English Language, College of Languages and Translation, Al-Imam Muhammad Bin Saud Islamic University during the second semester of the academic year 2012/2013. The sample of the study consisted of 40 male students enrolled in two sections, which were randomly selected from five sections and were randomly assigned to both experimental and control groups. The experimental group studied writing via the word processor in the E- learning Language Laboratory in the college of languages and translation, and the control group studied the same skill in the traditional method. Several computer based techniques, methods and activities like checking errors were used to achieve the goal of the study. A writing performance pretest was given to both groups at the beginning of the study to make sure that they were equivalent and homogenous. The same test was given as a writing performance posttest at the end of the experiment. The results revealed significant differences between the experimental and control groups in favor of the experimental group. The researcher reached some conclusions and suggested some recommendations. Key Words: Writing skill, writing achievement, word processor, EFL learners, writing ability.