Impacts of Technology based ESL Writing Skills at Tertiary Level

Abstract

The ESL learners face challenges in learning writing skills especially through the traditional mode. This study explores the effects of using technology-based computer assisted language learning (CALL) on the development in the proficiency in writing skills of the target group. A qualitative and quantitative mixed methodology was utilized to gather data. Two hundred students from the first-year arts were selected as participants for this study. A pretest on writing skills was conducted to gauge their proficiency in writing skills. After introducing and using the technology based (CALL) ESL writing skills for a semester, a post test was designed to see their development in the proficiency in writing skills. The teachers’ observation, questionnaires, interviews, the participants’ performances in pre and post writing skills and literature relevant to the study were utilized as data for the study. The findings reveal the fact that the CALL- a technology-based teaching and learning has kindled the interest of the participants as well as the teachers in teaching and learning writing skills. The study recommends the implementation of CALL- a technology -based teaching and learning for the other three skills in English as a second language.