Computers in Reading and Writing Skills through the Motivational Lens: SnagitTM, Screencast and E-mail Services

Abstract

The rapid and continuous developments in computer technologies underscores the needto investigate computers’ impact on students’ motivation in second/foreign language (L2)reading and writing skills. Given this need, the present empirical study aims to examinethe effect of computers on students’ motivation in L2 reading and writing skills. 35students studying in the English Language Teaching Program at a state university in Turkeywere firstly given a motivation scale as a pretest. Then they went through a five-weektreatment phase during which they carried out various reading and writing activitiesdesigned around two different authentic short stories (The Lottery and The Cask ofAmontillado) by using three different computer programs, namely SnagitTM, Screencast,and e-mail services. Finally, they were again given the motivation scale to determine thechange in their motivation level. The analysis of the data indicated a significant increase instudent motivation in L2 reading and writing skills. The findings also indicated that thestudents’ frequency and experience of computer use had no significant influence on L2reading and writing motivation. Based on these findings, it can be inferred that computershave a positive effect on students’ motivation in L2 reading and writing skills.