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Integrating Computer-Assisted Language Learning in Saudi Schools: A Change Model

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Handbook on Digital Learning for K-12 Schools

Abstract

Computer-assisted language learning (CALL) technology and pedagogy have gained recognition globally for their success in supporting second language acquisition (SLA). In Saudi Arabia, the government aims to provide most educational institutions with computers and networking for integrating CALL into classrooms. However, the recognition of CALL’s efficacy does not translate into easy acceptance and integration in English as a Second Language or English as a Foreign Language (ESL/EFL) classrooms in Saudi schools, particularly where teaching of both English language and information and communication technologies (ICT) is subject to religious and cultural constraints. There are other barriers that impede native Arabic speakers from learning English. Accordingly, the research question addressed in this paper is an exploration of the overt and covert factors that affect CALL use and integration in Saudi Arabian secondary schools. A case study approach using mixed methods was employed to interview and observe a sample of teachers and school inspectors in urban and rural secondary schools. Results were supplemented with an online questionnaire and analysed using both descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.

The findings lead to recommending a model to address the covert and overt issues identified, and provide systematic support for integrating CALL into Saudi Arabian English language classrooms.

The original version of this chapter was revised.

An erratum to this chapter can be found at http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-33808-8_32

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Bedfordshire, London, UK

    Saleh Alresheed, Andrea Raiker & Patrick Carmichael

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  1. Saleh Alresheed
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  2. Andrea Raiker
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  3. Patrick Carmichael
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Correspondence to Saleh Alresheed .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland

    Ann Marcus-Quinn

  2. Department of Education and Skills, Limerick, Ireland

    Tríona Hourigan

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Alresheed, S., Raiker, A., Carmichael, P. (2017). Integrating Computer-Assisted Language Learning in Saudi Schools: A Change Model. In: Marcus-Quinn, A., Hourigan, T. (eds) Handbook on Digital Learning for K-12 Schools. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-33808-8_22

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-33808-8_22

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-33806-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-33808-8

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