A Summary of a Comparative study

Blending classroom instruction with online homework: A study of student perceptions of computer-assisted L2 learning


This study was conducted by NURIA SAGARRA and GABRIELA C. ZAPATA. It was published by the European Association for Computer Assisted Language Learning. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of using an online workbook on the attitudes of second language (L2) Spanish learners toward this pedagogical tool over two consecutive semesters. The Participants of this study were 245 second language (L2) Spanish learners between 18 and 25 years old. The participants were enrolled in multiple sections of two following undergraduate Spanish courses. During the third week of second-semester, the participants were given a language background questionnaire and proficiency test to measure their knowledge level. The treatment consisted of the participants attending four hours of classroom instruction and completing one online homework per week, for a total of 24 weeks, during two following semesters. Classroom instruction included communicative activities, group discussions, audio and video, and cultural readings. The online workbook contained of grammar and vocabulary activities, a listening activity based on the textbook’s CD-ROM, a content-based reading and immediate feedback. Language assessment tests were given to the participants as a final exam to measure the effect of the instructional treatment on L2 learning through the two semesters of the study. Finally at the end of the treatment ( end of third semester), the participants completed a computerized survey to conclude their perceptions concerning the electronic workbook. The results of these tests indicated a significant increase in grammar scores. In addition, the results of the Survey on student perceptions Shows positive findings of student perceptions about the online workbook, emphasizing its benefits in terms of accessibility to the material, user-friendliness and instant feedback. Also, most students like the usefulness of the online workbook for language learning, particularly in the areas of grammar and vocabulary acquisition. Although, the survey also revealed some negative aspects of the use of the online workbook, such as the amount of time needed to complete the online exercises.