engleski

Using Learning Management Systems in ESP: Students’ Perceptions and Actual Benefits

Since information and communications technology (ICT) has been an integral part of life, especially with regard to young adults, computer-mediated communication (CMC) tools are being used not only for social and professional activities, but also for academic purposes. Following this trend, Croatian tertiary education institutions have adapted their curricula so as to include ICT into teaching and put more emphasis on e-learning. Therefore, this paper investigates learner beliefs about using technology in learning the English language for specific purposes (ESP), with special emphasis being placed on the form and frequency of its use. Our aim was to find out whether the students are aware of the possibilities of using diverse CMC tools for the purposes of foreign language learning and their willingness and readiness to actually use them. The sample used in the research included university level learners at two different Croatian tertiary education institutions. The data was collected by means of a questionnaire based on an existing survey, which was adapted to the needs and experience of the students. The data was statistically analysed with the help of the SPSS software. Moreover, the authors of this paper have compared two learning management systems (LMS) – Blackboard and Moodle – with respect to their use, their benefits and drawbacks, as well as their user-friendliness. They also discuss the role of traditional classroom technologies and materials (whiteboard, handouts, textbooks) and how they fit with the modern IT technology. While the benefits of ICT in acquiring passive skills of reading and listening are indisputable, the question remains as to how useful it really is in developing writing and speaking skills.

computer-mediated communication; ESP; foreign language learning; learning management system; skills

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