ESL students’ Writing Practice via Computer-mediated Instruction

1. ESL students’ Writing Practice via Computer-mediated Instruction • Presenter: Eunhee Seo, C.I.T.E. Dept(TESOL) ellenseo@astro.temple.edu 215-204-5526

2. Theoretical background • Sociocognitive Approach to CALL • (Kern & Warschauer, 2000) • Approaches to researching technology in T.E.S.O.L. (Warschauer, 1998) • Determinist Approach • Instrumental Approach • Critical Approach.

3. Research Questions • 1. How do computer-mediated activities affect interaction pattern between students as well as students- teacher in second language writing classroom? • 2. What are the benefits and drawbacks of computer- mediated activity in the ESL writing class? What are the issues of introducing computer into the language classroom?

4. Research Questions • 3. What does writing practice via computer-mediated instruction mean to ESL learners and the teacher? • How do learners and the teacher perceive this practice? • Do they think of computer as a delivery tool of learning/ teaching or do they believe that computer play a role of transforming L2 learning and teaching itself?

5. Data Analysis & Finding Q #1) Interaction Pattern

6. rate when the activity Q #1) Interaction Pattern- continued

7. Benefits 1. Focus on grammar, word choice makes their writing much clear to the reader 2. Authentic Language Input and maintaining contact with friends outside of the class 3. Rich text environment is motivating tool for language learning Drawbacks 1. Distraction 2. Individual difference in pace of writing 3. Time-inefficiency Q #2) Computer-mediated Activity

8. Data Analysis & Finding Q #2) Computer-mediated Activity • Issues to consider 1. Learning Style and Familiarity with the computer and electronic environment 2. Technical difficulties and support 3. Purpose of the activity

9. Q #3) Perception on participants’ electronic literacy practice • Instrumentalist position • Computer is an important /useful tool to learn English in global age, - Be exposed to cooperative environment to learn new words/ grammar as well as communication skills via on-line - Synchronous /asynchronous communication beyond time & space - Get useful info. from the web and feedback such as grammar correction through word processor’s grammar /spell checker

10. Q #3) Perception on participants’ electronic literacy practice • Middle ground position • Technology is doing important task as a learning tool • It is necessary to consider growing necessity for knowing how to communicate well in the electronic environment. • Technology enhances skills especially for people whose learning and communication styles fit the electronicworld.

11. Q #3) Perception on participants’ electronic literacy practice • Critical approachposition • Computer is a necessary condition to learn English since it • Provides ESL learners authentic environment, authentic information that even traditional text does not give • Provides social opportunities for them to participate better in English-speaking world

12. Issues in integration of technology into language class • Technical support • Computer training for teacher • Time and cost effect • Techno phobia