Year

2012

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

School of Information Systems and Technology

Abstract

Despite broad research on the value of technology in education, there is little information on the contribution of e-learning to second language learning.

This study investigated the extent to which the Internet can contribute to students’ learning of a second language through involved a study of students enrolled in an Arabic as a second language course in Saudi Arabia. In particular, this study aimed to investigate how the learning of Arabic language students enrolled at the Islamic University in Madinah could be enhanced through use of the Internet, and consider how the Internet may further assist student’s Arabic literacy development. The perceptions and performance of students was recorded, and a comparison was made between students in a Traditional learning environment (i.e. face to face) and those in a Blended learning environment (i.e. a combination of traditional and online learning).

A quantitative approach was used to collect data through pre-test and post-test questionnaires. These questionnaires gathered information related to the students’ perceptions, their behaviours and attitudes. Student performance was also measured to determine the effectiveness of each of the learning environments. This study found that student performance was enhanced through the use a Blended learning environment.

FoR codes (2008)

080603 Conceptual Modelling, 080609 Information Systems Management, 170202 Decision Making

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Unless otherwise indicated, the views expressed in this thesis are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the University of Wollongong.