Perceptions and Attitude Toward the Potential use of Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) in Swaziland: A Case Study.

Author

Mandlakayise Patrick Mthethwa, Southern Illinois University CarbondaleFollow

Date of Award

5-1-2011

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

Applied Linguistics

First Advisor

Thibeault, Dr. Thomas

Second Advisor

Halliday, Dr. Laura

Abstract

AN ABSTRACT OF THE THESIS OF PATRICK M. MTHETHWA, for Master of Arts degree in teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, presented on May 12, 2011, at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. TITLE: PERCEPTIONS AND ATTITUDE TOWARD THE POTENTIAL USE OF COMPUTER-ASSISTED LANGUAGE LEARNING IN SWAZILAND: A CASE STUDY. MAJOR PROFESSOR(S): Dr. Thomas Thibeault, Dr. Laura Halliday. The study examined pre-service and in-service teachers' perceptions and attitudes toward the potential use of computer-assisted language learning (CALL) in teaching English as a second language in Swaziland. Among other things, the study has been necessitated by the absence of any CALL course in any of the institutions of higher learning, albeit the availability of computers in elementary, secondary, high schools and institutions of higher learning in Swaziland. This study did not only unearth how much the teachers know about computers, but also how prepared they are to use computers in teaching English as a second language. This is the first study, at least to the researcher's knowledge, that has sought to investigate computers and English language teaching in the context of Swaziland. The study is an eye-opener on how these categories of teachers viewed the potential integration of technology into an English language classroom.