Introducing computer aided language learning to Sri Lankan schools: Challenges and perspectives | IEEE Conference Publication | IEEE Xplore

Introducing computer aided language learning to Sri Lankan schools: Challenges and perspectives


Abstract:

Several studies conducted at Sri Lankan universities since 2004 in integrating web-based learning and interactive computer aided language learning in English as a Second ...Show More

Abstract:

Several studies conducted at Sri Lankan universities since 2004 in integrating web-based learning and interactive computer aided language learning in English as a Second Language and foreign languages proved to be most successful in enhancing student performance, broadening world knowledge, increasing interest and motivation in autonomous learning. One fifth of the 20 million population of Sri Lanka consists of school children. Hence, it is more than appropriate to examine the impact of computer aided language learning to school children and ascertain whether similar benefits could be reaped as at universities during the previous studies that provided a strong platform for the present research. Thus, this study focuses on the challenges and future perspectives of integrating interactive computer aided language learning into the secondary schools in Sri Lanka.
Date of Conference: 26-28 September 2012
Date Added to IEEE Xplore: 07 January 2013
ISBN Information:
Conference Location: Villach, Austria

I. Introduction

Numerous measures have been introduced by the Government of Sri Lanka to enhance ICT skills of school children over the years. There are state schools that provide free education to all and fee levying schools in the country. Among the fee levying schools what is commonly known as private schools prepare students for national examinations and international schools focus on foreign examinations i.e. Edexcel and Cambridge International Examinations. Thus, the public schools and private schools share a common curriculum and examination system whereas the international schools follow the stipulated curricula by the international examinations. For the present study only the schools that follow the national curriculum were taken into consideration. At present there are over 9600 public schools in the country catering to around 4.3 million children. Whereas English is taught in schools as a second language from Year 1 to Year 13, many modern and classical languages i.e. Japanese, French, German, Hindi, Russian, Chinese, Arabic, Malay, Sanskrit and Pali, are offered at the two national examinations at the completion of Year 11 and Year 13 of formal education. The examinations are General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level and Advanced Level. ICT is offered as an optional subject for the Ordinary Level Examination at Year 11 and plans are underway to introduce the subject to the Advanced Level stream shortly.

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