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impact of using a word processor on an ESL writing class
International Islamic University Malaysia
Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences
This study investigates the effects of the use of a computer, specially a word processor, can have on the development of ESL writing skills (such as spelling and grammar errors, organization, language use, vocabulary and text length). The study also loks at the students' attitude towards the use of the computer while composing. The subjects of the study were the students of the International islamic University malaysia who were doing the Expository Writing Course conducted by the English Language and Literature Department. There were twelve Malaysian students pursuing the course, and all of them were selected as participants for the study. The subjects were asked to write three different types of essay (descriptive, narative and argumentative) in hand-written form. The computer classes were held in the faculty's computer lab where they were taught how to use the computer facilities to polish their writing. The students were then asked to write three similar essays using the computer. They were also interviewed on their attitudes towards the use of the device. the findings of the study showed that the word processor is of some value to writing. In comparing the overall results of the pen-pater and computer-based essays, there were significant differences in some aspects of the students' essays. The students scored significantly higher in the vocabulary, mechanics and length of the word-processed essays than in the pen-paper ones, at 0.005 confidence level. the findings also showed no significant difference in the content, organisation and language use of the students' word-processed essays comparedto their hand-written ones. In addition, this study revealed a positive change in the students' attitudes the use of the computer for writing purposes.
"A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master in Human Science in English as a Second Language."--On title page.
Thesis (MHSESL) -- International Islamic University Malaysia, 1999.
Includes bibliographical references (leaves 69-76).