Using the Web to Practice and Learn Grammar: ESL Student Perspectives

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe and explain the perspectives of ESL college students on using the Internet resources found in the Web site NetGrammar for grammar practice. In order to understand the participants' perspectives, three main research questions were studied: 1. In what ways do ESL students use the Internet resources found in the Web site NetGrammar for enhancing the learning of English grammatical structures? 2. What are the perceived advantages and disadvantages of Web-based support materials for learning English grammar? 3. What are the students' perspectives on the interactive Web exercises for practicing English grammar? A qualitative method of inquiry was used to explore the potential impacts of the Web resources on a university-level curriculum. Eight participants of eight different countries were chosen to participate in this study. The major method for data collection was standardized open-ended taped interviews. Data was also collected from lab observations and field notes. The qualitative data analysis software Nvivo 1.1 was used to assist data analysis. Results suggest that most of the participants followed a similar pattern in the mode of use of the Web material. They either practiced directly on the computer and/or printed out the exercises in order to work on them later on. Findings suggest that although students require ongoing Internet training, and technical support Web-based materials use can increase students' self-esteem, motivation, and can improve their attitude toward the computer and grammar learning. The study participants pinpointed advantages and disadvantages with respect to the use of Web-based materials for learning and practicing grammar.