Competence and confidence through technology enhanced language learning-the impact of technology among rural and semi-urban undergraduates of engineering in India: A study

Abstract

The present study is an assessment of the efficacy of technology enhanced language learning (TELL) in teaching English to undergraduates pursuing third year of Engineering program using specific modules based on 'Internet and Smart Phone' in the Advanced English Communication Skills Lab (AECS). After a pilot study, students were divided into two groups and a group of them were deliberately asked to use internet both in their computers and smart phones whereas others were exposed to designed software in the lab. They were given authentic tasks such as watching selected documentaries, presentations on selected CEOs of pioneering technical firms along with selected successful entrepreneurs of India. Consequently, students were asked to read and write case studies and assessed through presentations, group discussions and mock interviews. Remarkably, the outcomes revealed that TELL facilitated the target students of rural and semi urban areas significantly in enhancing their language competence, and, therefore, confidence more effectively than the other group of students who used designed software in the lab.