Research Article
Sayed Masood Haidari, Tugba Yanpar Yelken, Cenk Akay
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 10, Issue 3, pp. 229-245
ABSTRACT
English as a Foreign Language (EFL) education not only requires students to receive in-class instruction but also necessitates them to engage in extra practices outside the classroom by using technological or non-technological resources. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the self-directed language learning behaviors of the EFL student teachers and their use of technology in the process by employing a mixed-methods study within an explanatory sequential research design. The quantitative data were collected from 110 EFL student teachers by using two distinct research instruments, whereas the qualitative data were collected through an open-ended questionnaire form, responded by 47 of these students. The results of the study indicated that technology utilization is a significant predictor of self-directed language learning. However, the findings show that the off-campus self-directed language learning abilities of the students, with or without the use of technology, do not significantly differ according to gender, age, and grade levels. The differences were only found in terms of unaided off-campus learning abilities of the students and their technology utilization frequency in language learning. The qualitative findings also show that students engage in a variety of self-directed language learning activities outside the classroom mostly by using technology.
Keywords: Technology enhanced learning, Self directed learning, EFL student teachers, Language learning
Research Article
Mark Kennedy, Thomas J. Dunn
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 9, Issue 1, pp. 76-89
ABSTRACT
In recent years, the use of Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) has risen exponentially throughout higher education in the UK. Whilst TEL is an umbrella term for a range of technologies, evidence suggests that in the UK, TEL is usually delivered via the medium of Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs) for the provision of lecture materials and additional content. An emerging literature has established both the pedagogical potential and students’ perceived usefulness of TEL. However, researchers have yet to establish how the use of TEL via VLEs can be improved – a core requirement of establishing best practice. The current study sought to address this in a sample of 487 predominately undergraduate students. Content analysis revealed that views were overwhelmingly positive, but that students had clear views on what they wanted to see improved. Students expressed clear desires for the more consistent and more frequent use of TEL within lectures. Further, they felt that the potential of TEL to encourage and facilitate interactions, both within their University and with external stakeholders, has thus far gone unexploited. Implications for teaching practice and future research are discussed.
Keywords: Technology enhanced learning, Virtual learning environment, E-learning