An exploratory study of e-mail application on FL writing performance

This study focused on examining the overall effect of using email on the improvement of writing performance in aspects of syntactic complexity, grammatical accuracy and lexical density, as well as investigating the relation between the number of email exchanges and writing performance. Subjects in this study were 40 non-traditional EFL students enrolled in an intermediate reading class at a university in Taiwan. By applying qualitative and quantitative research methods, the major finding demonstrates that students made improvements on syntactic complexity and grammatical accuracy. An increase in lexical density, however, was not observed in this study. Another finding suggests that exchanging email messages with their peers at least four times might have a greater overall improvement on their writing performance. Findings from students' self-reports reveal that the email approach was a positive strategy that helped improve students' foreign language learning and attitudes towards English. Instructional implications for designing an effective email task to enhance foreign language writing development and attitudes are also presented.

[1]  Silke von der Emde,et al.  Technically Speaking: Transforming Language Learning through Virtual Learning Environments (MOOs) , 2001 .

[2]  Fu-Yun Yu,et al.  Incorporating e-mail into the learning process: its impact on student academic achievement and attitudes , 2002, Comput. Educ..

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

[4]  Yili Li,et al.  Linguistic Characteristics of ESL Writing in Task-based E-mail Activities , 2000 .

[5]  Mike Levy,et al.  Computer-Assisted Language Learning: Context and Conceptualization , 1997 .

[6]  Meei-Ling Liaw,et al.  Using electronic mail for English as a Foreign Language instruction , 1998 .

[7]  M. Warschauer.  Comparing Face-To-Face and Electronic Discussion in the Second Language Classroom , 2013, CALICO Journal.

[8]  Roger Austin,et al.  Computer conferencing: does it motivate EFL students? , 1999 .

[9]  Mark Warschauer,et al.  Network-based Language Teaching: An electronic literacy approach to network-based language teaching , 2000 .

[10]  Margaret Healy Beauvois,et al.  E-talk: Attitudes and motivation in computer-assisted classroom discussion , 1994, Comput. Humanit..

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

[12]  Paula Kalaja,et al.  Experimenting with Computer Conferencing in English for Academic Purposes. , 1995 .

[13]  Anthony DiMatteo.  Communication, Writing, Learning: An Anti-Instrumentalist View of Network Writing. , 1991 .

[14]  Claire Kramsch,et al.  Teaching Text and Context Through Multimedia , 1999 .

[15]  Nancy Kroonenberg.  Developing Communicative and Thinking Skills via Electronic Mail , 1995 .

[16]  Yu-mei Wang.  Email Dialogue Journaling in an English as a Second Language (ESL) Reading and Writing Classroom , 1998 .

[17]  M. Warschauer.  Computer-Mediated Collaborative Learning: Theory and Practice. , 1997 .

[18]  Kip Strasma,et al.  Collaboration within Writing Classes: An Ethnographic Point of View. , 1992 .

[19]  Manuela Gonzalez-Bueno,et al.  The effects of electronic mail on Spanish L2 discourse , 1998 .

[20]  M. Warschauer,et al.  Computers and language learning: an overview , 1998, Language Teaching.

[21]  Min Liu,et al.  A Look at the Research on Computer-Based Technology Use in Second Language Learning , 2002 .

[22]  Robert Hoffman,et al.  Powerful, personal: electronic mail and the L2 writing process , 1994, ReCALL.

[23]  Pamela Urdal Silva.  E-Mail: Real-Life Classroom Experiences with Foreign Languages. , 1996 .

[24]  Josef Hellebrandt,et al.  Virtual Collaborations in the Spanish Class: From E-Mail to Web Design and CD-Rom Development , 1999 .

[25]  Maurizio Oliva,et al.  Internet Resources and Second Language Acquisition: An Evaluation of Virtual Immersion , 1995 .

[26]  Manuela González-Bueno,et al.  Electronic Mail in Foreign Language Writing: A Study of Grammatical and Lexical Accuracy, and Quantity of Language , 2000 .