The effect of a computer-based program on English second language students at TUT.
Dieperink, Marius
Dieperink, Marius
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Abstract
The aim of this case study is to investigate the effect of an English Second Language (ESL) software program towards improving the ESL knowledge base of a specific group of students at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) eMalahleni Campus. The computer-based program, Reading Excellence™, aims to improve ESL students’ reading comprehension and speed. The eMalahleni (Witbank) Campus of TUT forms the setting for the case study. The main focus of the study is exploring the attitudes, beliefs and opinions of specific cohorts of students. This study is primarily qualitative, and utilises a mixed methodology to explore the perceptions, beliefs and attitudes of specific participants who were selected by means of non-probability, purposive sampling. Data were collected through three collection strategies, viz. semi-structured interviews, questionnaires and document analysis. The study found that participants in general perceived a variety of benefits, which included improvements in their general English prowess as well as their affective mobility. Certain quantitative data have indicated poor progress as well as unsatisfactory class attendance. In general, participants had a positive perception about their experience and participation in the Reading Excellence™ program.
Description
Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Magister Technologiae: Language Practice (specialising in computer-assisted language teaching) in the Department of Applied Languages Faculty of Humanities Tshwane University of Technology.
Date
2008-07-04
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Tshwane University of Technology
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Keywords
ESL, CALL, Business English, Computer program, E-Learning, Evaluation, Reading Excellence™, Multimedia, TUT