Building language - l earning environments to help technological university students develop English independent learning

摘要

This action research discusses how the teacher integrates the technology-based Self-access Center and Web-based environments into an integra ted langua ge skills English class at a technological university in Taiwan. In this stud y, Web-based environments include English learning Web sites, and communication tools including e-ma il, MSN, Instant Messenger, and Skype. This study was a n out-of-class project aimed at motivating students to make use of va rious technology-based environments outside the classroom in order to develop integra ted language skills and communicate with others. This research seeks to examine the b enefits of using technology-based environments out of the classroom and to inspire English as a foreign la nguage (EFL) educa tors interested in assisting their students to work toward learner autonomy/lea rner independence by employing authentic and global environments. Data were obtained from students through interviews, reflective diaries and a questionnaire given out at the end of the term. Collected da ta indica ted that although difficulties and problems were encountered, students maintained a positive attitude toward independent learning in various technology-ba sed learning environments and they intended to continue to use Web -b ased environments for practicing language skills and communicating with others. In this project, the teacher's suppor t, encouragement, a nd guidance were regarded as effective and necessary. In add ition, motivation, self-confidence and taking responsibility for learning were considered to pla y vital roles in students' independent learning processes. Further research needs to focus on whether or not stud ents did continue to use Web-based environments for independent lea rning after the course ended. Recommendations are ma de for improvements to EFL pedagagy and learning processes in the Taiwanese context, in regards to study results.