An Action Research Studyof Learners’ Perceptions

of Using Internet Activities throughthe Nicenet ICA

Ms. EFLT María del Carmen Boloña

ESPOL

Learner’s Perceptions of Internet Activities through the Nicenet ICA

Purpose

Describe the process, practice and use of learners’ Internet activities through the Nicenet ICA

Research Questions

1) How can learners’ perceptions of the process of using technological tools for language learning be described ?

2) What are learners’ perceptions of Internet Activities through the Nicenet ICA ?

Internet Activities

Online Reading – Online Writing – Web based research

The Nicenet ICA

Internet Classroom Assistant used as a communication tool to create a web based English learning environment.

Research Methodology

Setting

• Universidad Interamericana in Guayaquil, Ecuador

• Private University

• Technology and Science

Participants

• 36 university students graduted from public and religious (49%) and bilingual schools (51%)

• 55% Girls, 45% Boys• 20 to 21 years old• Business oriented majors• Upper Intermediate university

English learners• 90 hours: 70 (class) + 20 ( 2 hour

lab sessions/ 10 weeks) • English Program for International

Communication

MethodologyAction Research Study: Qualitative and QuantitativeTechniques

• Data Sourcesa) Students’ contributions to Conferencing through the Nicenet ICAb) Students’ journalsc) Students’ final projects’ commentsd) Students’ grades breakdowne) The Nicenet’s survey

Research Methodology

gData Analysis

1 2 543

English Learning An Active EnglishLearning Environment

Learners’ postings were read and categorized by learners’

preconceptions, individual needs and course expectations.

Learners’ written comments about theirInternet activities were processed to explore learners’ reactions.

Conferencing - Nicenet Internet Activities Survey Grades

Learners’ responses were tabulated and analyzed.

Learners’ grades were analyzed to determine levels of online participation.

gData Analysis

UI Grades Breakdown English Learning Environments

Internet participation

levelsScale

Online Work Writing Tasks

Research

Projects

High Internet Participation

100 – 75 17% 39%

Average Internet Participation

74 - 50 72% 55%

Low Internet Participation

49 or less 11% 6%

gData Analysis

The Nicenet Survey and The Nicenet ICA

Menu Options Usefulness

Online Activities Difficulty

Postings Effectiveness

Conferencing

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Rankings

Online Activities Usefulness

Link Sharing DocumentsReply

MessagesSending

MessagesClass

ScheduleClass

Members

Writing Tasks

OnlineResources

ReadingTasks

Web BasedResearch

InformationSharing

GrammarTasks

FinalWebQuest

Interaction Power PointPresentations

Tasks PublicationWeb

ExplorationVocabulary

InformationSharing

AssignmentsInstructions

CourseInformation

CourseAnnouncements

SkillDevelopment

ResearchCommunication

InteractionInformation

Access TrainingTechnologicalApplications

DataBase

TimeSaving Nicenet’s Usefulness

for communication skilldevelopment

gLiterature Review: Main Sections

Active Learning• Critical Thinking Development• Knowledge Activation & Organization• Knowledge Construction• Literacy

Active Language Learning• Cognitive, social, affective and cultural engagement • Literacy• Learners’ training• Autonomy

Computer Assisted Language Learning

• Internet• Internet Classroom Assistants• Digital Literacy

On-line reading and on-line writing

• Processes • Differences• Benefits

Computer Anxiety

gFindings

Research Question 1• Learners’ perceptions of theprocess of using technological tools for EL:

• High acceptance • Awareness of beneficial effects• High expectations for active and collaborative English learning environments

Research Question 2• Learners’ perceptions of using Internet activities

• High perception of the usefulness and effectiveness of e-english learning activities• Awareness of the effects of the process, practice and use• Positive tone• Different levels of engagement• Publication

gDiscussion

Active Learning• Cognitive engagement• Understanding• Communication skills

Active Language Learning• Student centered approach• Communicative Competence • Communication skills development: abilities and skills

Computer Assisted Language Learning

• Academic research• Communication and collaboration• Reading and research• Writing and publishing• Cognitive, social, affective and cultural

On-line reading, on-line writing and research

• Syllabus design• Time management• Learners’ training• Pedagogy, technology, culture, organization and methodology