English as a Foreign Language Students' Opinions about the Use of English on the Internet

Abdullah Coskun*
Assistant Professor, School of Foreign Languages, Abant Izzet Baysal University, Turkey.
Periodicity:December - February'2017
DOI : https://doi.org/10.26634/jsch.12.3.10385

Abstract

As in many other fields, the Internet has been used for educational purposes, especially for foreign language learning. This study has the main objective to investigate English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students' opinions about the use of English on the Internet. By means of a Likert-type questionnaire dealing with the use of English on the Internet for various reasons (i.e., interest, benefit, socialization, entertainment), the views of 364 high school students at two high schools in a small city in Turkey were collected. Mean values and standard deviations were calculated in Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS-23) to reveal their reasons for using English on the Internet. Also, the question as to whether opinions about the use of English on the Internet significantly differ depending on the gender variable was explored by means of the independent samples t-test. The analysis of the data yielded the conclusion that participants mostly use English on the Internet for entertainment. It was also found that their level of interest in using English on the Internet was not very high. Additionally, it was discovered that girls mostly use English on the Internet for socialization while boys use it for entertainment. The implication of the study is that students' level of interest in using English on the Internet should be increased.

Keywords

English, Internet, Opinions, English as a Foreign Language.

How to Cite this Article?

Coskun, A., (2017). English as a Foreign Language Students’ Opinions about the Use of English on the Internet. i-manager’s Journal on School Educational Technology, 12(3), 10-21. https://doi.org/10.26634/jsch.12.3.10385

References

[1]. Alsied, S.M., and Pathan, M.M. (2013). “The use of Computer Technology in EFL Classroom: Advantages and Implications”. International Journal of English Language & Translation Studies, Vol. 1, No. 1, pp. 61-71.
[2]. Arik, B.T., and Arik, E. (2014). “The role and status of English in Turkish higher education”. English Today, Vol. 30, No. 4, pp. 5-10.
[3]. Asan, A. (2003). “Computer technology awareness by elementary school teachers: A case study from Turkey”. Journal of Information Technology Education, Vol. 2, pp. 153-162.
[4]. Aydin, S. (2007). “Attitudes of EFL learners towards the internet”. The Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology, Vol. 6, No. 3, pp. 18-26.
[5]. Beasley, R., and Chuang, Y. (2008). “Web-based music study: The effects of listening repetition, Song likeability, and song understandability on EFL learning perceptions and outcomes”. TESL-EJ, Vol. 12, No.2, pp. 1-17.
[6]. Berk, R.A. (2009). “Multimedia teaching with video clips: TV, movies, YouTube, and mtvU in the college classroom”. International Journal of Technology in Teaching and Learning, Vol. 5, No. 1, pp. 1-21.
[7]. Brown, D., and Warschauer, M. (2006). “From the university to the elementary classroom: Students' experiences in learning to integrate technology in instruction”. Journal of Technology and Teacher Education, Vol. 14, No. 3, pp. 599-621.
[8]. Brownlee-Conyers, J. (1996). “Voices from networked classrooms”. Educational Leadership, Vol. 54, No. 3, pp. 34-37.
[9]. Crystal, D. (1997). English as a Global Language. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
[10]. Çakir, R., and Solak, E. (2015). “Attitude of Turkish EFL Learners towards e-Learning through Tam Model”. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, Vol. 176, pp. 596–601.
[11]. Dogançay-Aktuna, S. (1998). “The spread of English in Turkey and its current sociolinguistic profile”. Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development, Vol. 19, No. 1, pp. 24-39.
[12]. Dogançay-Aktuna, S., and Kiziltepe, Z. (2005). “English in Turkey”. World Englishes, Vol. 24, No. 2, pp. 253- 265.
[13]. Dovedan, Z., Seljan, S., and Vuckovic, K. (2002). “Multimedia in Foreign Language Learning”. Proceedings of the 25th International Convention MIPRO, pp. 72-75.
[14]. Dörnyei, Z. (2007). Research Methods in Applied Linguistics. New York: Oxford University Press.
[15]. Dufour, M., Brunelle, N., Tremblay, J., Leclerc, D., Cousineau, M., Khazaal, Y., Légaré, A., Rousseau, M., and Berbiche, D. (2016). “Gender difference in Internet use and Internet Problems among Quebec High School Students”. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 61, No. 10, pp. 663-668.
[16]. Eastment, D. (1999). The Internet and ELT: The Impact of the Internet on English Language Teaching. Oxford, Summertown Publishing.
[17]. Ertmer, P. A., Addison, E., Lane, M., Ross, E., and Woods, D. (1999). “Examining teachers' beliefs about the role of technology in the elementary classroom”. Journal of Research on Computing in Education, Vol. 32, No. 1, pp. 54-71.
[18]. Gibson, S., and Oberg, D. (2010). “Visions and Realities of Internet use in Schools: Canadian Perspectives”. British Journal of Educational Technology, Vol. 35, No. 5, pp. 569-585.
[19]. Gonglewski, M., Meloni, C., and Brant, J. (2001). “Using e-mail in foreign language teaching: Rationale and suggestions”. The Internet TESL Journal, Vol. 7, No. 3, pp. 1-5.
[20]. Hampel, R., and Baber, E. (2003). “Using Internetbased audio-graphic and video conferencing for language teaching and learning”. In U. Felix (Ed.), Language Learning Online: Towards Best Practice. Lisse: Swets & Zeitlinger.
[21]. Hargittai, E., and Shafer, S. (2006). “Difference in actual and perceived online skills: The role of gender”. Social Science Quarterly, Vol. 87, No. 2, pp. 432-448.
[22]. Heirati, J.K., and Alashti, L.A. (2015). “Attitudes toward using the Internet for language learning: A case of Iranian English teachers and learners”. International Journal of Research Studies in Educational Technology, Vol. 4, No. 1, pp. 63-78.
[23]. Hong, K.S., Ridzuan, A.A., and Kuek, M.K. (2003). “Students' Attitudes toward the use of the Internet for Learning: A Study at a University in Malaysia”. Educational Technology and Society, Vol. 6, No. 2, pp. 45-49.
[24]. Hussein, G. (2010). “The attitudes of undergraduate students towards motivation and technology in a foreign language classroom”. International Journal of Learning and Teaching, Vol. 2, No. 2, pp. 14-24.
[25]. Ilter, B.G. (2015). “How does technology affect language learning process at an early age?” Procedia- Social and Behavioral Sciences, Vol. 199, pp. 311-316.
[26]. Internet Live Stats, (2016). Turkey Internet Users. Retrieved from http://www.internetlivestats.com/internetusers/ turkey/
[27]. Isman, A., Çaglar, M., Dabaj, F., Altinay, Z. and Altinay, F. (2004). “Attitudes of students toward computers”. The Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology, Vol. 3, No. 1, pp. 11-21.
[28]. Jafar, F. (2008). “The use of English in Internet Communication by Jordanian Students”. Al Basaer-A Refereed Scientific, Vol. 12, No. 2, pp. 9-34.
[29]. Karakas, A. (2011). “Motivational Attitudes of ELT Students towards using Computers for Writing and Communication”. The Journal of Teaching English with Technology, Vol. 11, No. 3, pp. 37-53.
[30]. Koehler, M.J., Mishra, P., Hershey, K., and Peruski, L. (2004). “With a little help from your students: A new model for faculty development and online course design”. Journal of Technology and Teacher Education, Vol. 12, No. 1, pp. 25-55.
[31]. Kumar, R., and Kaur, A. (2005). “Internet and its use in the Engineering Colleges of Punjab, India: A case study”. Webology, Vol. 2, No. 4, pp. 1-22.
[32]. Lee, L. (2005). “Using Web-Based Instruction to Promote Active Learning: Learners' Perspectives”. Calico Journal, Vol. 23, No. 1, pp. 139-156.
[33]. LeLoup, J. and Ponterio, R. (1997). “Internet technologies for authentic language learning experiences”. ERIC Clearinghouse on Languages and Linguistics.
[34]. Mahmud, A.A. (2011). “Students' attitudes towards Internet: A study on private universities of Bangladesh”. European Journal of Business and Management, Vol. 3, No. 6, pp. 9-19.
[35]. Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, (2003). English for Specific Purposes (ESP) in Ukraine, a Baseline Study. Retrieved from www.britishcouncil.org/esp_report_ eng.pdf
[36]. Modiano, M. (2005). “Cultural studies, foreign language teaching and learning practices, and the NNS practitioner”. In E. Llurda (Ed.), Non-native Language Teachers: Perceptions, Challenges and Contributions to the Profession, pp. 25-43. New York, NY: Springer.
[37]. Movement of Enhancing Opportunities and Improving Technology, (2010). Firsatlari Artima Teknolojiyi Iyilestirme Hareketi. http://fatihprojesi.meb.gov.tr/site/ amac.php
[38]. Nah, K. C. (2008). Language Learning through Mobile Phones: Design and Trial of a Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) Site Model for Learning EFL Listening Skills in Korea. (Unpublished Ph.D Thesis). The University of Queensland, Brisbane.
[39]. Neeley, T. (2012). Global Business Speaks English. Harvard Business Review. Retrieved from https://hbr.org/ 2012/05/global-business-speaks-english
[40]. Ocak, G., and Hocaoglu, N. (2014). “Ögrencilerin Internet Ortaminda Ingilizce Kullanmalarina Yönelik Tutumlari”. Afyon Kocatepe University Journal of Social Sciences, Vol. 16, No. 1, pp. 1-30.
[41]. Paulsen, P. (2001). “New Era Trends and Technologies in Foreign Language Learning: An Annotated Bibliography”. Interactive Multimedia Electronic Journal of Computer-Enhanced Learning, Vol. 4, No. 6, pp. 36-48.
[42]. Pallant, J. (2007). SPSS Survival Manual: A Step by Step Guide to Data Analysis using SPSS for Windows Version 15. Maidenhead Open University Press.
[43]. Rashtchi, M., and Hajihassani, H. (2010). “Blog- Assisted Language Learning: A Possibility in Teaching Reading to Iranian EFL Learners”. International Journal of Language Studies, Vol. 4, No. 4, pp. 245-262.
[44]. Richards, J.C. (2015). “The Changing Face of Language Learning: Learning Beyond the Classroom”. RELC Journal, Vol. 46, No. 1, pp. 5-22.
[45]. Ryder, R.J., and Graves, M.F. (1997). “Using the Internet to enhance students' reading, writing, and information-gathering skills”. Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, Vol. 4, No. 4, pp. 244-254.
[46]. Sa'd, S.H.T. (2014). “Implementing Internet-based EFL Teaching in Iran: (Dis) Advantages, Obstacles and Challenges from EFL Learners' Viewpoint”. Dil ve Edebiyat Egitimi Dergisi, Vol. 10, pp. 24-40.
[47]. Salaberry, M.R. (2001). “The use of technology for second language learning and teaching: A retrospective”. The Modern Language Journal, Vol. 85, No. 1, pp. 39-56.
[48]. Sayers, D. (1993). “Distance team teaching and computer learning networks”. TESOL Journal, Vol. 3, No. 1, pp. 19-23.
[49]. Scheffler, F.L., and Logan, J.P. (2000). “Computer technology in schools: What teachers should know and be able to do”. Journal of Research on Computing in Education, Vol. 31, No. 3, pp. 305-326.
[50]. Serin, O. (2012). “Mobile learning perceptions of the prospective teachers (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus sampling)”. The Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology, Vol. 11, No. 3, pp. 222-233.
[51]. Shetzer, H., and Warschauer, M. (2000). “An electronic literacy approach to network- based language teaching”. In Warschauer, M. & Kern, R. (Eds.). Network-based Language Teaching: Concepts and Practice, pp.171-85. New York: Cambridge University Press.
[52]. Slate, J.R., Manuel, M., and Brinson, K. (2002). “The ‘digital divide’: Hispanic college students' views of educational uses of the Internet”. Assessment and Evaluation in Higher Education, Vol. 27, No. 1, pp. 75-93.
[53]. Solak, E., and Bayar, A. (2015). “Current challenges in English Language Learning in Turkish EFL context”. Participatory Educational Research, Vol. 2, No. 1, pp. 106- 115.
[54]. Srichanyachon, N. (2013). “The use of Internet of EFL Learners”. The Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education, Vol. 14, No. 4, pp. 320-327.
[55]. Stepp-Greany, J. (2002). “Student perceptions on language learning in a technological environment: Implications for the new millennium”. Language Learning & Technology, Vol. 6, No. 1, pp. 165-180.
[56]. Sundqvist, P. (2009). Extramural English matters: Outof- school English and its impact on Swedish Ninth Graders' Oral Proficiency and Vocabulary. (Unpublished Ph.D Dissertation). Karlstad University Studies, Karlstad.
[57]. Sundqvist, P., and Sylvén, L. K. (2014). “Languagerelated computer use: Focus on young L2 English learners in Sweden”. ReCALL, Vol. 26, No. 1, pp. 3-20.
[58]. Sundqvist, P., and Wikström, P. (2015). “Out-of-school digital game play and in-school L2 English vocabulary outcomes”. System, Vol. 51, pp. 65-76.
[59]. Tsai, C.C. (2004). “Adolescents' perceptions toward the Internet: A 4-T framework”. CyberPsychology & Behavior, Vol. 7, No. 4, pp. 458–463.
[60]. Uuskoski, O. (2011). Playing Video Games: A Waste of Time... or not? (Unpublished Thesis). University of Helsinki, Finland.
[61]. Venezky, R.L. (2004). “Technology in the Classroom: Steps toward a new vision”. Education, Communication & Information, Vol. 4, No. 1, pp. 3-21.
[62]. Warschauer, M., and Whittaker, F. (1997). “The Internet for English Teaching: Guidelines for Teachers”. The Internet TESL Journal, Vol. 3, No. 10, pp. 27-33.
[63]. Warschauer, M., Shetzer, H. and Meloni, C. (2000). Internet for English Teaching. Alexandria, VA: TESOL Publications.
[64]. Whitley, B.E. (1997). “Gender differences in computerrelated attitudes and behavior: A meta-analysis”. Computers in Human Behavior, Vol. 13, No. 1, pp. 1-22.
[65]. Williams, E. (2004). “Literacy studies”. In A. Davies & C. Elder (Eds.), The Handbook of Applied Linguistics, pp. 576- 603. USA: Blackwell Publishing.
[66]. Wu, Y.T., and Tsai, C.C. (2006). “University students' Internet attitudes and Internet self-efficacy: A study at three universities in Taiwan”. Cyber Psychology & Behavior, Vol. 9, No. 4, pp. 441-450.
[67]. Yang, S.C., and Chen, Y. (2007). “Technologyenhanced language learning: A case study”. Computers in Human Behavior, Vol. 23, No. 1, pp. 860-897.
[68]. Young, S.S.C. (2003). “Integrating ICT into second language education in a vocational high school”. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, Vol. 19, No. 4, pp. 447–461.
[69]. Zhong, Y. (2008). “A Study of Autonomy English Learning on the Internet”. English Language Teaching, Vol. 1, No. 2, pp. 147-150.
If you have access to this article please login to view the article or kindly login to purchase the article

Purchase Instant Access

Single Article

North Americas,UK,
Middle East,Europe
India Rest of world
USD EUR INR USD-ROW
Online 15 15

Options for accessing this content:
  • If you would like institutional access to this content, please recommend the title to your librarian.
    Library Recommendation Form
  • If you already have i-manager's user account: Login above and proceed to purchase the article.
  • New Users: Please register, then proceed to purchase the article.