International Conference on Linguistics in Sri Lanka (ICLSL)

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    Attitudes towards the Use of Web 2.0 Tools for Learning ESL: A Case Study Conducted at the Advanced Technological Institute, Gampaha.
    (The Third International Conference on Linguistics in Sri Lanka, ICLSL 2017. Department of Linguistics, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2017) Jayathilake, M. V. M.; Shantha, P. H. A. B.
    With the advancement of the web technologies, almost all the fields get more benefits than previously and education is one of most benefited sectors. There is a growing interest in online classroom settings in learning second languages. There are a number of research studies that have used empirical and exploratory methods to assess and evaluate the actual impact of using Web 2.0 tools in learning English as second language, because Web 2.0 tools have shifted language learners from passive recipients into active contributors. Based on this rationale, the present study aims at exploring attitudes toward the use of Web 2.0 tools for leaning English as a second language. However, the question arises as to whether alternative higher education sector students have similar Web 2.0 experiences in ESL as their higher education sector peers. In this study, the core objective is to evaluate attitudes towards using Web 2.0 tools in Leaning English as a Second Language in the higher Education sector of Sri Lanka. Accordingly, 260 students from Advanced Technological Institute (ATI), Gampaha were selected as the sample. Framework of this study is based on Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The study made use of a mixed method approach and the participants‟ attitudes were elicited through the use of a questionnaire which included open-ended questions to collect qualitative data and structured questions which ensured the collection of quantitative data. Responses given to open-ended questions were analyzed through coding the statements while the responses to structured questions were analyzed by calculating the frequencies. The results showed that all the respondents rated the items positively within all six dimensions of TAM. Web 2.0 tools had significant correlations to TAM dimensions and the majority of students have positive attitudes regarding the use of an interactive web environment and the learning benefits that ensued.
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    Assessing Practical Constrains in Implementing Web 2.0 Tools for Teaching English as a Second Language at Higher Education Sector in Sri Lanka: A Case Study- Sri Lanka Institute of Advanced Technological Education
    (University of Kelaniya, 2015) Jayathilake, M.V.M.; Shantha, P.H.A.B.
    In an era of globalization and with the advancement of information technology, web 2.0 tools are used increasingly in education sector and there is also a growing interest in how and whether Web 2.0 tools could be used for second language teaching. Those tools are creating a collaborative environment in which users have the opportunity to contribute to a growing knowledge base and participate in online communities. On the other hand these tools can access anytime and anywhere. Due to that number of researches state that these tools are useful for teaching second languages. The Web 2.0 tools are beginning to play a role within the more formal learning environment of English classrooms. The objective of this study is investigating the practical constrains facing when implementing Web 2.0 tools for teaching English as a second language in Sri Lanka Institute of Advanced technological Education (SLIATE). Clustering sample technique was used to select the sample among English lecturers in SLIATE. Sample size was thirty five. Questionnaire was used to collect data. Questionnaire was based on four factors, awareness, computer and hardware facilities, internet facilities and attitude. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used for the data analyzing. The data of this study reveals the most aware Web 2.0 tools are wikis and social network. And the least aware tool is vodcasts. More than 60% show the positive attitudes towards these tools. The study found that computers and other facilities are available but need to extend usage time of them. Internet facility is also available but bandwidth and data amount should be increased. Although they believe these are effective tools for teaching, they need a proper training of how to use them in a class room teaching.