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Teachers’ Perceptions of the Use of Computer Assisted Language Learning to Develop Children’s Reading Skills in English as a Second Language in the United Arab Emirates

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Abstract

This study investigated ESL teachers’ perceptions regarding the use of Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) in teaching reading to children. A random sample of 145 teachers participated in the study by completing a survey developed by the researchers. To explore the situation in depth, 16 teachers were later interviewed. Results indicated that the main purpose of using CALL with children is to help them develop reading strategies and increase their motivation. The most common strategies teachers reported using were computers to: enhance children's reading skills, support children's reading, listen to stories read aloud, recognize letter/sound relationships, and identify letters and beginning sounds of words. Teachers reported that CALL has some benefits, such as providing opportunities for active interaction and differentiated instruction. The main barriers of using CALL are the lack of resources and suitable software and hardware. The study ended with recommendations for further research and instructional improvements.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of C&I, Faculty of Education, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan

    Hamed Mubarak Al-Awidi

  2. Department of C&I, Faculty of Education, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 17551, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates

    Sadiq Abdulwahed Ismail

Authors
  1. Hamed Mubarak Al-Awidi
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  2. Sadiq Abdulwahed Ismail
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Correspondence to Hamed Mubarak Al-Awidi.

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Al-Awidi, H.M., Ismail, S.A. Teachers’ Perceptions of the Use of Computer Assisted Language Learning to Develop Children’s Reading Skills in English as a Second Language in the United Arab Emirates. Early Childhood Educ J 42, 29–37 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-012-0552-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-012-0552-7

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