The Relationship between the Use of Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) and Computer Knowledge and Facilities: A Mixed-Method Study

Abstract

The emergence of Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) has drastically changed the mode of teaching in many educational contexts. CALL can not only facilitate meaningful language learning but it can also accelerate it while giving students’ learning more depth and breath. Different types of learning in general and distance learning in particular, which is now prevalent in the present Corona pandemic, is not feasible without computer-based training. A mixed-method research design was adopted in one semester. The study measurement consisted of two sections: a quantitative section in which a survey questionnaire was utilized and a qualitative one in which, on the whole, 30 sessions of semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants to understand instructors’ opinion about merits of using CALL in teaching English. Using non-parametric test of Spearman correlation and the independent samples t-test, it was illuminated that having computer facilities impels instructors to make the most of CALL in educational settings. Moreover, high speed, facilitating learning, facilitating training, and attractiveness have been extracted as the most significant merits of CALL use as revealed from semi-structured interviews. It is suggested that educational settings be fully equipped with computer facilities as they pave the way for the facilitative application of CALL.