A comparative study of English language learners' perceptions and practices of using computer technologies at the national and a private university in Lebanon -

Abstract

This research employs an exploratory mixed method research design to investigate the perceptions of students concerning the use of computer technologies in English language classes. In this study, computer technologies are defined as all the computer applications that assist in language learning. The proposed design compares perceptions in higher education communication skills classes at one of the private universities in Lebanon, the American University of Beirut (AUB) and the public Lebanese University (LU). Students at both institutions participated in a survey based on UTAUT, Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of technology (Venkatesh, Morris, Davis and Davis, 2003). This study also takes into consideration gender differences. Results revealed that students from both samples perceived themselves as proficient, even though only a few received trainings in their English language classes. The public sector (LU) expressed higher effort expectancy but lacked the facilitating conditions, and there was a scarce use of e-mail and presentations in the public sector. On the other hand, students from the private sector (AUB) requested more training and technical facilitations. Gender differences were expressed at the levels of expertise as males’ perception of their expertise was higher of that of their female counterparts.