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Computer assisted language learning (CALL) for international students: An Australian perspective
Citation
Short, M and Ashman, G and huang, Z, Computer assisted language learning (CALL) for international students: An Australian perspective, Proceedings of the 7th Annual International Conference on Education & e-Learning (EeL 2017), 25-26 September 2017, Singapore, pp. 26-29. ISSN 2251-1814 (2017) [Refereed Conference Paper]
Copyright Statement
Copyright 2017 GSTF
DOI: doi:10.5176/2251-1814_EeL17.23
Abstract
Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) is a widely used pedagogical tool for advancing language learning and teaching. The most dominant use of CALL is to aid language learning.
The purpose of this research was to gain insights into the advantages and challenges of using CALL in English language teaching and learning from the perspective of Asian learners, and to explore the connection between students’ different languages, cultures and learning backgrounds and the way they utilize CALL when learning English.
An on line anonymous questionnaire was used to obtain qualitative data from twenty participants who were recruited from level 7 and six students in the English Language Centre (ELC) of a regional Australian University. Open coding was the primary method of analysis.
The findings indicated Asian students held a positive attitude toward CALL as it was thought to offer convenience and flexibility for their study. However, there were some challenges for Asian students who utilized CALL, especially to improve their writing and speaking skills. From the learners’ perspectives, the opportunities for communication and in time feedback and assistance were inadequate in their CALL experience. Learners found it hard to motivate themselves to engage with CALL. The Asian students’ cultural and educational backgrounds may have triggered these difficulties. The students may also have had insufficient computer skills, low independent learning skills and potentially have lack intrinsic motivation. All of these learning skills are critical in employing CALL.
These findings suggested that for the Asian students who were in the process of transition from a traditional teacher centered approach to a student centered approach, more assistance and guidelines were needed for them to gradually develop their computer skills, independent learning skills, and self-motivational skills to benefit from using CALL.
Item Details
Item Type: | Refereed Conference Paper |
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Keywords: | computer assisted language learning, international students, English language teaching, learning styles |
Research Division: | Education |
Research Group: | Other education |
Research Field: | Other education not elsewhere classified |
Objective Division: | Education and Training |
Objective Group: | Other education and training |
Objective Field: | Other education and training not elsewhere classified |
UTAS Author: | Short, M (Dr Megan Short) |
UTAS Author: | Ashman, G (Dr Greg Ashman) |
UTAS Author: | huang, Z (Ms Zhao Huang) |
ID Code: | 121573 |
Year Published: | 2017 |
Deposited By: | Education |
Deposited On: | 2017-10-03 |
Last Modified: | 2018-06-21 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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