A Comparative Study On EFL Learners' Reading Effects Between Hypertext And Printed Text In The Web-based Environment

Along with the fast development of Internet Information and Technology, the Web is becoming a virtual library where information about anything is available to almost anyone at practically little or no cost. Therefore, reading has had the revolutionary change: the extension from printed text to hypertext; from the linear order to the nonlinear order; from traditional printed text-related reading to computer network reading. It has already become a common phenomenon for Chinese college students to do English reading in Web-based environment.However, although hypertext has many advantages over printed text, there are still some differences between these two modes of reading due to the unique features of hypertext and printed text. After reviewing the literature in this field, the author finds that few researchers at home have done research on Chinese EFL learners'hypertext reading. Then how is the current situation of college students'hypertext reading?The main focus of this study is to look into EFL learners'hypertext reading, including the differences between the effect of hypertext reading and printed text reading; students'attitudes towards hypertext reading; the factors of hypertext that benefit students'reading comprehension; the difficulties in students'hypertext reading. 80 undergraduate sophomores majoring in Mechanical Engineering and Economics and Business chosen from 2 intact classes studying in Chongqing University joined this study. The author employs both quantitative and qualitative methods to carry out this study. A comparative test, a questionnaire and an interview are used respectively to investigate hypertext reading effect, students'attitudes and the influencing factors.The study results are as follows. First, there is no significant difference between the reading effects of these two modes of reading. Second, the questionnaire shows that students take positive attitudes towards hypertext reading and the author specifically explores the reason in light of this. Third, the interview shows that there are some positive factors of hypertext benefiting students reading, such as online translation, online dictionary, openness, etc. Finally, there are some difficulties in students'hypertext reading and these difficulties include uncomfortable physical responses, disorientation, etc.It is hoped that this study can offer some helpful suggestions to reading experts, English teachers, hypertext designers and college students, which can finally promote the effect of hypertext reading in Web-based environment.