The Development of EFL Lexical Competence through the Use of Computer Assisted Language Learning in Qassim University

Abstract

The current study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) on vocabulary learning and its perceived benefits and challenges among Saudi learners of English as a foreign language (EFL). 64 homogeneous male and female participants were selected and assigned to experimental and control groups with equal numbers. The experimental group was taught vocabulary using the Blackboard Collaborate Ultra and a supplementary online website, while the control group was taught using the traditional face-to-face (FTF) approach. The treatment lasted for 8 weeks. Both groups of learners took pre- and post-tests for vocabulary achievement. Based on the descriptive statistics, independents samples t-test, and paired samples t-test, the experimental group outperformed the control group. However, there was no significant difference in the vocabulary test performance between male and female learners allocated in the experimental group. The follow-up interview revealed several benefits of this approach for their English vocabulary development though a few students pointed at some challenges that hinder them from making a good use of technology in enhancing their vocabulary.