Showing papers by "Selami Aydin published in 2013"
TL;DR: Turkish EFL teachers have little knowledge about certain software and experience difficulties using the software programs and that they suffer from a lack of technical and instructional support, although they have positive perceptions of computer integration and attitudes toward computer use.
Abstract: While research mainly focuses on the effectiveness of computer use and its contribution to the teaching of English as a foreign language (EFL), EFL teachers have received scant attention. Only a limited number of studies have been conducted regarding Turkish EFL teachers' perceptions of computer use for teaching EFL. Therefore, in the context of Turkish EFL teachers' perceptions of computer usage in learning and teaching, the current study aims to examine Turkish EFL teachers' knowledge of software and their reasons for personal computer use, including the attitudes and perceptions of self-confidence among teachers in integrating computers and the school climate and support with respect to the use of computers for teaching EFL. The sample group in the study consisted of 157 EFL teachers. Before descriptives were computed, a background questionnaire and survey that assessed the degree of knowledge about the computer software, the frequency of software use for personal purposes, the teachers' attitudes towa...
114 citations
TL;DR: There has been a serious lack of research on the use of SL, as current literature reflects how SL might more readily be utilized as EFL learning environment, the study concludes.
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to present a review of research on Second Life (SL) as a learning environment within English as a foreign language (EFL) context, as research on its use within EFL learning is relatively new. T he study is categorized into four main sections. Introduction section introduces the rationale of the paper and SL. Next section reviews the studies on Second Life in EFL learning, and focuses on the effects of SL on affective states, interaction and communication in SL, collaborative and autonomous learning in SL, sharing culture in SL, engagement and participation in SL, some other issues and drawbacks. Third, the study compares SL usage in Turkish EFL context to its use in a global scale. Last, the study concludes that there has been a serious lack of research on the use of SL, as current literature reflects how SL might more readily be utilized as EFL learning environment. Finally, the study ends with recommendations for teachers and researchers.
19 citations
01 Jan 2013
TL;DR: The authors investigated the level of test anxiety among young learners of English as a foreign language (EFL) and the relationship between test anxiety and factors such as gender, age, grade, achievement level, and economic background.
Abstract: Many studies on test anxiety among adult language learners have been performed, while only a few studies have dealt with overall test anxiety. In addition, these studies do not specifically address test anxiety in foreign language learning among elementary school language learners. Thus, this study aims to investigate the level of test anxiety among young learners of English as a foreign language (EFL) and the relationship between test anxiety and factors such as gender, age, grade, achievement level, and economic background. The sample group for the study consisted of 477 EFL learners from five elementary schools. A background questionnaire and the Test Anxiety Scale (TAS) were used to collect data. The collected data were used to provide a descriptive and correlational analysis to address the research questions. The results show that young language learners have a low level of test anxiety and that the variables are significantly correlated with some items in the scale.
14 citations