Investigating digital native female learners’ attitudes towards paperless language learning

Abstract

This study is an investigation of paperless language learning in the context of the United Arab Emirates. The purpose of this study was to examine Emirati level 1 English language learners' attitudes towards the iPad use as a means of language learning. It was done through a cross-sectional survey questionnaire, wholly composed of fixed-choice questions, and through weekly reflective journals that were written by the teachers teaching the groups. The survey collected data through a questionnaire from 80 students who had been exposed to paperless language learning for a duration of 80 teaching periods. The data collected showed positive student attitudes towards iPad implementation as a language learning tool in terms of learner satisfaction, motivation, perceived tool usefulness and learning effectiveness. Reflective journal analysis showed that the digital world presents the students with a direct link between the effort taken and the reward received, whereas the feedback or the reward given by the teachers in the traditional classroom was either too nebulous or too slow to motivate students to keep the pace of progressive learning.

The Use of Response Systems in Higher Education during the Covid-19 Pandemic Period

“…Researchers agree that digital technologies can accelerate the pace and positively affect teaching and learning (Langford & Damsa, 2020;Van der Kleij et al, 2015;Kim et al, 2013;Jimoyiannis & Komis, 2007), while at the same time data from studies show that the use of digital media is sufficiently widespread in Greece and internationally (European Commission, 2018). Especially in the last two decades the teachings that use technologically enhanced learning have increased the learners' interest and dedication (Lim, 2017;Grigoryan, 2018). For higher education institutions a key challenge is to activate, engage creatively and ensure student collaboration in the teaching process.…”

An Evaluative Review of Innovation Adoption Approaches in Conducting Educational Research

“…Many other approaches have emerged and have been developed from the above mentioned models and theories to conduct research into technology-use. In turn they have been practiced in various spheres of life, as well as in education (Grigoryan 2018 Though ICT adoption is a well-researched area of study in IT research, its application to education is still under investigation (Churchill and Wang 2014;Lai, Sham and Tian 2014;Meder and Wegner 2015). Some educational institutions today insist on integrating mobile devices without determining their benefits and possible negative effects on students' education.…”

Digital Native(ness), Mobile Technologies and Language Proficiency in Underdeveloped Countries

“…to be] most comfortable with and learn the wide variety of technology tools that are important for productivity in school and the workplace" (Thomson 2013:23). Additionally, (ii) teachers should always create "the most effective learning environment for learners" (Grigoryan 2018:2); and (iii) select the best teaching approaches which are potential not only to allow the successful integration of technologies into the teaching-and-learning process, but also to increase the learners" motivation, positive attitudes towards to whole process, and positive expectations of the teaching-and-learning process (Margaryan, Littlejohn & Vojt 2011:429, 438).…”

“…Despite the cognitive benefits of practicing good handwriting, its emphasis as an important skill has changed significantly. Learning has moved to a digital realm and writing is realised using digital software tools" (Grigoryan 2018:2). In the past, it was indeed important to practice good handwriting, everything was paper-based, and things like "pen names" were fashionable for the old generation.…”