Proposal Defense
Transcript: English is seen as an effective tool for any educational innovation. As such, efforts to improve English Language instruction receive political and economic support from the government, which determines its place on the social “hierarchy” (Al-Issa, 2002). ELC, ACT (Al Musana College of Technology) has state of the art computer labs and round the clock-access to internet. Teachers and students spend a considerable time of the day with computers either e-mailing, chatting, typing, uploading or downloading assignments. There have been no significant research has done in the field of ELT in Oman. Hajjaj (1989) points out that there are several evident shortcomings in the ELT system of the respective GCC States and stresses the need for research in the various aspects of ELT and perceives it as a sustainable necessity. Rationale of the Study Question 1: What is the overall effect of using Emails on the quantity and accuracy of English Written language generated by the experimental group compared with the control group? Question 2 : What is the overall effect of using emails versus paper-and-pencil on the quantity and accuracy of English written language generated by both the experimental and control groups, when comparing the first message with the last message (i.e. within groups), over the period of a semester (8 – 10 weeks)? Question3: What are the attitudes of both the experimental and control groups toward e-mail writing? Question 4: What are the attitudes, experiences and feelings of experimental group toward email method in completing their writing tasks in the study? Statement of problem 1) Computer mediated instruction especially emails/e-messages have become significant component of teaching language (Gonzalez- Bueno, 1998; González-Bueno & Pérez, 2000) at present. Use of emails is one of the powerful genre of writing in the present world. Among the various forms of CMC in language teaching, electronic mail (email) has been so far the most popular and useful tool for foreign language teaching and learning (Chaffee-Sorace, 1999; Levy, 1997). The paper and pencil method of writing limits the learners’ performance because learners spend more time in transmitting information electronically in the present scenario (Fischer, 2012; Dall, 2001; Kiernan and Aizawa, 2004 & Stockwell and Harrington, 2003). The present study will give some insight in to the quality of computer written text verse paper-and-pencil written texts in terms of accuracy and quantity of language in the context of teaching English as a foreign language in the Middle East. Specific Objectives 1. To analyze and evaluate how grammatical and lexical accuracy is affected by the electronic medium (Emails). 2. To evaluate the relation between the writings produced through emails and paper-and-pencil method. 3. To evaluate the factors influencing students’ writing skills using an Error Correction Code. 4. To contribute to filling the related literature gap on using E-mails in promoting writing in the Omani context. Arabic students learning to write in English may encounter lexical and syntactical difficulties (Fender, 2008; Al-Kasawneh, 2010 & Al – Buainani,2006) . writing using email has many pedagogical advantages. Gonglewski , 1999; Warschauer, Shetzer, and Meloni, 2000, p.3 & Schwienkorst (1998) Arabic students’ poor output in English in the Gulf region is to their lack of motivation, heavy reliance on memorization and rote learning, use of outdated curricula and methodologies, emphasis on high-stake testing and inadequately trained teachers (Syed, 2003). The use of English in Oman has developed into “institutionalized domains”, such as business, the media and education (Al-Busaidi, 1995). To identify the effectiveness of Emails in promoting writing skills of Semester 1 students at ELC, Post Foundation English Program in Al Musanna College of Technology in Oman in terms of grammatical and lexical accuracy and the quantity of language produced in comparison with traditional paper-and-pencil method. The effectiveness in using email in promoting writing skills of Omani EFL learners at Al Musanna College of Technology Introduction Research objectives Lack of studies that have explored and examine the effectiveness of E-mail as a medium of writing contrasting the traditional paper-and-pencil medium in Oman. The study will highlight the significant role of CMC in promoting writing skills. The findings about lexical and grammatical errors and other qualitative aspects of the study can serve important standards for improved use of CMC through emails in EFL writing classes in Oman. The study using email technology to promote writing skill will surely give momentum to the government programs and policies equipping young Omani learners with every day CMC means. Research Questions Significance of the study According to Robert Fischer (2011) it is difficult to think of a foreign or second language (L2) programme that does not make use of some form of
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