INTEGRATING WEB-BASED TEACHING IN ESP: A CASE STUDY OF COMPUTER SCIENCE STUDENTS AT BISKRA UNIVERSITY

Abstract

Web-based language teaching has currently gained soundness for its innovative practices. It has become an accessible tool in the language classroom that sustains both asynchronous and synchronous instruction. The present study investigates the effectiveness of integrating web-based teaching in ESP of Master One English for Computer Science students as a case study during the academic year 2011-2012. It aims at gauging the extent to which the implementation of web tools and applications in Computing English creates a thorough learning atmosphere that meets learners’ needs and cope with their lacks and wants. A triangulated research method that entails three data-gathering instruments is applied to draw up a set of convenient inferences to the research hypotheses. These research instruments include Needs Analysis questionnaire, quasi-experimental study and course evaluation form as an amalgamation of qualitative and quantitative research methods. The research findings revealed that the use of web-based tasks related in content to students’ discipline helps them perform better in their achievement tests, fosters their autonomy and overcomes the impediments of traditional classes. However, they expressed displeasure with the artificial interaction it sets up while learning. Therefore, blended learning was recommended as a sound enterprise that conjoins the best of technology and pedagogy and combines online and face-to-face learning. It may integrate an ordinary class website, online content templates, Moodle platform or other forms of web-based environments in which learning takes progressive process that begins in the classroom and continues online.