Empowering Learners’ Autonomy through the Use of Internet

Abstract

The present study investigates the effective role of internet in enhancing learners' autonomy as well as in improving their learning skill. One major problem within Algerian university students is the lack of independency. This problem can be related to students' ignorance of the significance of being autonomous in university as well as the unawareness of the positive influence of this skill on their formal achievement and long life learning. In order to provide an effective study, we have focused on ways to foster autonomy in improving the listening skill. This skill has proved to be an active element though it is considered as a passive skill it has proved its active role in language learning. Thus, we hypothesize that using internet enhances learners' autonomy in improving learning skills. To prove this hypothesis, a questionnaire has been conducted to oral expression teachers and to third year students to gain more information about their opinion towards using internet in fostering autonomy in learning. Results have shown a limited knowledge of autonomy on the part of learners although their wide use of internet. Results revealed also that teachers use varied activities in class to develop students’ listening and they encourage them to use internet and rely more on themselves to enhance their learning. By doing this research, we hope that learners will be familiar with the concept of autonomy and more aware of its importance in fostering their learning process. We hope also that teachers will recognize the significant role of internet in helping learners be autonomous inside and outside the classroom