College Students' Adaptability To Computer Assisted Language Learning

Computer assisted language learning (CALL) is defined as any process in which a learner uses learning materials by means of a computer to improve his or her language (Ken Beatty, 2003). In China, with the rapid development of computer technology, computer assisted language learning has attracted lots of people's attention and it will soon be widely used in college English learning and teaching program. The aim of this thesis is to investigate college students' level of adaptability to the computer assisted language learning environment. Three aspects will be studied in this thesis to get an overall picture of students' adaptability to CALL. The three aspects are autonomous learning ability in CALL environment, affective factors in CALL, computer experience and its effect on affective factors in CALL.Both quantitative and qualitative research methods are adopted in this thesis to get overall and detailed understanding of current college students' adaptability to CALL.Findings of this study are as follows:Firstly, students' general autonomous learning ability is acceptable. However, their autonomous learning ability in CALL is not very satisfying. They still lack necessary ability of choosing learning materials via computer and their self-control ability in CALL is not satisfying.Secondly, students generally take positive attitude toward CALL and feel relaxed and comfortable in computer assisted learning environment. However, they present low self-efficacy in computer assisted learning environment.Thirdly, most students have used computer for at least more than one year and their computer literacy are generally acceptable. However, there are still many students lack necessary computer literacy and it greatly decrease their confidence in learning via computer and it is a big obstacle in their way of CALL.Some pedagogical implications are achieved through this study. Firstly, hardware condition of CALL in university should be further improved to offer students morechances to study English via computer. Secondly, teacher should give students more help and instruction to improve their autonomous learning ability and introduce more useful online learning materials. Thirdly, courseware designer should make more efforts on designing attractive and interesting learning programs to stimulate students learning interest and motivation.