An Action Research Study of Learners’ Perceptions of Using Internet Activities Through The Nicenet ICA in the EFL Classroom In Ecuador

Abstract

The incorporation of Internet activities and Classroom Management Systems in the English teaching/learning process has increased popularity among teachers and learners of these Information Communication Technologies since computers became cognitive tools to enhance learning. As a result, teachers as well as learners are frequently using these technological tools for different purposes such as knowledge management, communication, interaction, participation , collaboration and cooperation when they are members of on-line English learning environments. The aim of this study was to investigate learners’ perceptions of the process, practice and use of Internet activities through the Nicenet Internet Classroom Assistant in order to discover how learners perceived the integration and application of these technologies in their English learning process. The study used qualitative and quantitative methods of action research: class documents, a survey, learners’ journals and learners’ comments in order to explore their reactions and perceptions to these two technologies. Two research questions were explored in this study: (1) How can learners’ perceptions of the process of using technological tools for language learning be described? and (2) What are learners’ perceptions of using Internet activities to learn English? Participants of this study consisted of upper intermediate university English learners who graduated from Ecuadorian public, religious or bilingual high schools. The findings indicate that there was a high learners’ acceptance of the Nicenet ICA Internet activities when they interact, communicate, cooperate and manage knowledge to learn English through on-line collaborative English learning environments