The Effectiveness of Using Computers and Internet to Teach Grammar in ESL Classroom.
1.0 Introduction
Teaching grammar has been one of the most debatable issues in English teaching and learning process. There are so many approaches suggested to be used by teachers in order to teach grammar. Recently, with the development of CALL software, researchers have suggested that grammar to be taught using computers and internet. This topic interests me as I believe that grammar should not only be taught using the traditional method of teaching, but a new approach using computers should also be implemented. This is also to suggest a new and interactive way to attract the second language learners to learn the English grammar.
It is believed that the language learning theories apply to this topic are Grammar-Translation and Audio-lingual which fall under Behaviouristic CALL. Here, a computer is used as a tutor, presenting material and feedback on an individualized basis, allowing students to proceed at their own pace and freeing up class time for other activities.
The dependent variable that I am focusing on is the post-test result based on the type of instructions used; whether it is computer-based (internet) or traditional method of teaching. As for the independent variable, it is the use of computer and internet in teaching grammar.
2.0 Body
In all the five research articles that I have read, there is a common thing can be concluded, which suggests that the use of computers helps second language learners better in learning the English grammar compared to the traditional method. Faizah Mohamad and Nazeri Mohamad Amin (2009), state in their findings that the internet is an effective medium in teaching and learning grammar. Another research done by Faizah Mohamad (2009) also shows the same findings which is the same findings in Nutta (1996). The findings show that computers help better in learning grammar compared to chalk and talk approach which is also known as traditional approach. It can be said that from the researches done, the post-test results show that the use of computers to teach grammar is more effective compared to the traditional method. One possible explanation for the effect of using computers for teaching English grammar is that computers enable each individual to work according to his own pace. The user may move freely from one component to another as he wishes and according to his needs. This characteristic makes CALL programs cater for individual differences (Abdallah Abu Naba'h et. al, 2009). Findings in Wei-Yu Lan et, al. (2010) also state that most of the learners believe that teaching grammar using the computer is one of their preferred methods. Nonetheless, Faizah Mohamad and Nazeri Mohamad Amin (2009) believe that using computer without considering the pedagogical aspects associated with teaching of language or any other subjects will make the practice ineffective. The introduction of computer in teaching should also come with appropriate teaching strategy. That is why using computer is not enough if it is not followed by an effective pedagogical aspect of teaching.
Based on my reading of the research articles, I believe that all the researches have been successfully carried out. This is because all of the researches have post tests to conclude the researches done. Therefore, I can see how relevance the findings in each research. However, the sample should be more for the research to be more valid and reliable. The sample should be made wider so that the result can be generalised to other population. Furthermore, the study done by Abdallah Abu Naba'h et. al (2009) is restricted to only one aspect of language which is the passive voice. Therefore, the result cannot be generalised to all the English language aspects. So, the research should have covered more aspects.
3.0 Conclusion
I can say that the computer can be one of the effective ways to be used to teach grammar. With the development of computer technology and internet, better courseware can be developed and integrated with more multimedia content such as video audio and animation. However, the traditional method is still relevant as using the computer and internet to teach language is not a panacea.
I would suggest that new software should be developed in order to teach grammar effectively in Malaysian schools. We should start using it as recent researches have proven that it is very effective and useful. The use of computers may help teachers to lessen their burden, as computers can be an effective tutor which can give immediate feedback. However, the roles of teachers cannot be denied as their roles in facilitating the learning process cannot be taken for granted. One of the problems I realised during my practicum was, my students had a very serious problem with one of the grammar aspects which is subject-verb agreement. Therefore, if we can develop software to help Malaysian students out, it would be beneficial for them. I believe the findings of the researches reviewed would suggest that a better courseware can be developed and integrated with more multimedia content such as video audio and animation.
4.0 Citation
AbuSeileek, A. F., & Rabab’ah, G. A. (2007). The Effect of Computer-Based Grammar Instruction on the Acquisition of Verb Tenses in an EFL Context. The JALT CALL Journal, 3,59-80. Retrieved 17th February 20011 from:
Nutta, J. (1996). Is Computer-Based Grammar Instruction as Effective as Teacher- Directed Grammar Instruction for Teaching L2 Structures? Volume 16. Retrieved on 17th February 2011 from:
Naba'h, A. A, et. al, (2009). The Effect of Computer Assisted Language Learning in Teaching English Grammar on the Achievement of Secondary Students in Jordan. The International Arab Journal of Information Technology, Vol. 6, No. 4. Retrieved on 18th February 2011 from:
Mohamad, F. (2009). Internet-based Grammar Instruction in the ESL Classroom. eContent Management Pty Ltd. International Journal of Pedagogies and Learning 5(2): 34–48. Retrieved on 18th February 2011 from:
Mohamad, F. & Amin, M. N. (2009). The Effectiveness Of Customized Courseware In Teaching Grammar. Retrieved on 18th February from:
Lan, W. Y et, al. (2010), The Effectiveness Of Computer-Assisted Instruction In Grammar Learning As Perceived By Technological College Freshman Students. Retrieved on 18th February from:
