Exploring EFL Taiwanese University Students' Perceptions of a Collaborative CALL Environment

This study aimed to investigate the perceptions of EFL Taiwanese university students on a collaborative CALL environment. The participants were 112 intermediate proficiency English as a foreign language Taiwanese third-year university students. The dataset used included the pre-and post-questionnaires on participants' perspectives on the CALL environment. In addition, interview data was collected for more in-depth information on individual participants' perceived views on such a collaborative e-learning program. The results of the study provided encouraging evidence to show that the participants generally perceived that they benefited from the whole process of a collaborative computer assisted language learning program to have positive perspectives on the implemented CALL course itself, to advance their English linguistic knowledge, to construct associated content knowledge, and to foster their affective attitudes towards learning language via a collaborative CALL environment. The findings suggested the need for Taiwanese language teachers, course writers, curriculum planners, policy makers, and educational authorities to consider integrating CALL components into English language lessons to help Taiwanese students improve language competence, gain content knowledge, develop cooperative learning, and strengthen motivation for EFL learning.

[1]  W. Rivers.  Interactive Language Teaching , 1988 .

[2]  M. Rafael Salaberry,et al.  The Art of Teaching Spanish: Second Language Acquisition from Research to Praxis , 2007 .

[3]  Patricia Dunkel.  Computer‐Assisted Instruction (CAI) and Computer‐Assisted Language Learning (CALL): Past Dilemmas and Future Prospects for Audible CALL , 1987 .

[4]  Gabriela C. Zapata,et al.  CALL on hold: The delayed benefits of an online workbook on L2 vocabulary learning , 2007 .

[5]  David Coniam,et al.  Evaluating computer-based and paper-based versions of an English-language listening test , 2006, ReCALL.

[6]  Thomas A. Brush,et al.  Student perceptions of collaborative learning, social presence and satisfaction in a blended learning environment: Relationships and critical factors , 2008, Comput. Educ..

[7]  Petra Neumeier,et al.  A closer look at blended learning — parameters for designing a blended learning environment for language teaching and learning , 2005, ReCALL.

[8]  Uschi Felix,et al.  The web’s potential for language learning: the student’s perspective , 2001, ReCALL.

[9]  C. Piotrowski,et al.  Are the Reported Barriers to Internet-Based Instruction Warranteed?: A Synthesis of Recent Research , 2000 .

[10]  Hsien-Chin Liou,et al.  The Impact of WWW Texts on EFL Learning , 1997 .

[11]  Elaine Pawling.  Modern Languages and CD-ROM-based Learning , 1999, Br. J. Educ. Technol..

[12]  L. S. Vygotksy.  Mind in society: the development of higher psychological processes , 1978 .

[13]  Teresa De Fazio.  Software Review: The Interactive Picture Dictionary; Concord 1.1 - WordSmith Tools, a Concordancer for Windows; LANSchool; The Grammar Rom. , 1997 .

[14]  Richard G. Kern.  Restructuring Classroom Interaction with Networked Computers: Effects on Quantity and Characteristics of Language Production , 1995 .

[15]  Joseph Collentine.  Insights into the Construction of Grammatical Knowledge Provided by User-Behavior Tracking Technologies , 2000 .

[16]  Terri Cononelos,et al.  Using Computer Networks to Enhance Foreign Language/Culture Education , 1993 .

[17]  P. Brok,et al.  Multilevel issues in research using students’ perceptions of learning environments: The case of the Questionnaire on Teacher Interaction , 2006 .

[18]  R. Ellis,et al.  Quality in blended learning: Exploring the relationships between on-line and face-to-face teaching and learning , 2007, Internet High. Educ..

[19]  Susan M. Land,et al.  The foundations and assumptions of technology-enhanced student-centered learning environments , 1997 .

[20]  Jonita Stepp-Greany,et al.  Student Perceptions on Language Learning in a Technological Environment: Implications for the New Millennium , 2002 .

[21]  Kenji Kitao.  Students' Evaluation of CAI English Classes. , 1995 .

[22]  Jhf Meyer,et al.  Evaluating the quality of student learning. I—An unfolding analysis of the association between perceptions of learning context and approaches to studying at an individual level , 1990 .

[23]  Yanqing Sun,et al.  An Experiment on Supporting Children's English Vocabulary Learning in Multimedia Context , 2004 .

[24]  P. Ramsden.  A performance indicator of teaching quality in higher education: The Course Experience Questionnaire , 1991 .

[25]  Curtis J. Bonk,et al.  The Handbook of Blended Learning: Global Perspectives, Local Designs , 2005 .

[26]  Garold L. Murray,et al.  Autonomy and Language Learning in a Simulated Environment. , 1999 .

[27]  R. Ayres.  Learner Attitudes Towards the Use of CALL , 2002 .