The Impact of Virtual Writing Tutor on Writing Skills and Attitudes of Omani College Students

Abstract

The present study aimed to examine the impact of Virtual Writing Tutor (VWT) software on the academic writing skills of Year 1 Omani EFL students in the College of Applied Science, (CAS)-Sohar and their attitudes towards using VWT software to enhance their academic writing skills. The sample consisted of 35 students in the control group and 35 in the experimental group (Total N= 70) who were enrolled in the English for Academic Purposes (ENAP1002) course at CAS-Sohar. The data collection tools included pre-test and post-test for the two groups, and attitude scale for the experimental group. The findings of the study showed a positive large effect size (Cohen’s d = 0.88) of VWT on writing skills. In addition, Year 1 students in the experimental group enjoyed using the VWT software and found it beneficial and helpful in checking the accuracy of their essays including spelling, punctuation, grammar and vocabulary. In light of the research findings, implications and recommendations for future research were outlined.

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“…These findings suggest that pedagogical challenges (Atmojo & Nugroho, 2020;Özüdo, 2021;Perifanou et al, 2021) technological challenges (Al Badi et al, 2020;Atmojo & Nugroho, 2020;Özüdo, 2021;Sunasee, 2020), emotional and social challenges, (Özüdo, 2021) and institutional challenges are common among international contexts. ERT forced education systems worldwide to face these challenges and made policy makers, teachers, students and parents contribute to minimize these challenges.…”

“…Whereas some teachers were already comfortable with using digital technologies in or out of the classroom for teaching, the rapid transition to ERT displayed an unprecedented challenge for many teachers. Technological challenges during ERT include access to technology, time constraints, working space, privacy issues, lack of learning materials, absent or limited internet connection, lack of technological equipment, and students' and instructors' low digital literacy (Al Badi et al, 2020;Atmojo & Nugroho, 2020;Özüdo, 2021;Sunasee, 2020).…”

The Effectiveness of a Program Based on Problem-Solving in Mathematical Problem Solving among Grade Ten Students

“…• Usual teaching method -Al Badi et al (2020) defined it as the usual way of teaching using the paper and pencil to convey knowledge to the students without technology interference. In this study, it referred to the teaching Math for grade 10 students without a program based on mathematical problem-solving.…”

Students’ Writing Skill Improvement through Virtual Writing Tutor (VWT)

“…So as to promote independent study and enhance students' writing proficiencies, VWT can serve as a beneficial instrument within a writing course. Providing students with immediate feedback, focused practice, and individualized guidance, empowers them to assume responsibility for their own education and effectively track their advancement (Aamir, 2020).…”