Employing Reading and Writing Computer-Based Instruction in English as a Second Language in Elementary Schools

The emergence of technology has greatly contributed to the shift in teaching reading and writing in a second language. It has created more effective opportunities for second language learners to improve these skills. This study investigated how elementary school teachers in the United Arab Emirates use computers to teach ESL reading and writing. It also sought to explore the kinds of strategies that teachers use to encourage students to use technology for learning these two skills. The study involved 186 ESL elementary school teachers. In addition to the questionnaire, a focus group interview was conducted with selected teachers. Both quantitative and qualitative procedures were used to analyze the data. The overall findings revealed that technology might play crucial role in assisting students to learn reading and writing skills. Other significant results revealed that technology helped teachers in assigning extracurricular activities and communicating with students. Based on the study’s results, a number of recommendations were drawn.

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