A Comparison of the Autonomous Use of Technology for Language Learning for EFL University Students of Different Proficiency Levels

Li-Tang Yu ()
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Li-Tang Yu: Department of English Instruction, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu City 300193, Taiwan

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-18

Abstract: Different aspects of second-language learners’ autonomous use of technology for language learning have been investigated and its positive effects on language learning have been reported. However, there is a paucity of research on whether language learners’ different proficiency levels are associated with their perceptions of their own autonomous use of technology-enhanced language learning (TELL). Therefore, this study examines the autonomous use of TELL outside the English classes of English learners of different proficiency levels. Ninety-nine EFL college students (47 of lower proficiency and 52 of higher proficiency) in northern Taiwan took a survey on the autonomous use of TELL. The results demonstrated that students’ proficiency levels did not relate to the involvement of autonomous use of technology for language learning. Nearly one-third of all students did not take on autonomous English learning via technology outside class. The students in both groups tended towards more receptive-skill English learning activities than productive-skill activities in their autonomous use of technology, whereas the students of higher proficiency attended more productive-skill activities than those of lower proficiency. In order for students to benefit from the autonomous use of technology for language learning, proper support and guidance from instructors are crucial.

Keywords: EFL university students; autonomy; technology use; autonomous learning; survey (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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