Technology Competency and Language Proficiency Lara Promnitz-Hayashi Subjects : Class 6- High tier freshman class (21 participants) Class 9- Low tier freshman class (27 participants) Data Collection Methods: Questionnaire Interview Observation

Some background to the study. Kanda opened 6 BLS in 2003 and 4 more in A BLS is a modern classroom designed for flexibility enabling blended learning ( face-to-face learning and CALL/TELL) All desks are on wheels and can be stacked when not in use. Each BLS (2003) has:  Teacher’s computer with LCD Projector  30 laptops (wireless internet)  A/V cabinet with stereo receiver, DVD/CD player, satellite TV receiver  Speaker system  Audio splitters & headphones  Printer

2009 Study Blended learning spaces: Patterns of use. Looked at teachers’ use of the BLS vs a non-BLS classroom. MacKenzie, D., Promnitz-Hayashi, L., Jenks, D., Geluso, J., Delgado, R., & Castellano, J. (2010). Blended learning spaces: Patterns of use. In A. M. Stoke (Ed.), JALT2009 Conference Proceedings. Tokyo: JALT.

Did you use technology at school before KUIS?

Did you use computers before coming to KUIS (not at school)?

What type of technology did you use? Used daily

Once or twice a week

Never Used

What technology do you use at home? Class 9 Daily: Mobile Phone, TV, iPod Weekly: Computer, DVD, CD Monthly: Radio Never: iPhone Class 6 Daily: Mobile Phone, TV, Computer Weekly: DVD, CD Monthly: Radio Never: iPhone

What do you use your home computer for?  YouTube  Word Processing (writing)  Social Networking * Never: Games, PPT, Media Player, Photos, Voice Recording Class 6 Class 9  YouTube  Word Processing (writing)  * Never : Games, PPT, Voice Recording

Have you ever used technology to study English before?

What did you use? Class 6 Social Networking (Facebook, Mixi, MySpace) English Study Software Websites eg. Dave’s ESL Cafe Class 9 Movies Skype Music

What technology do you use at KUIS? Class 6 Daily: Mobile Phone (14/21- checking mail, texting classmates) Computer (9/21- for homework) Weekly: Computer (9/21- in class, homework) Monthly: DVD (in class, in SALC) Never: Radio, Personal Organiser Class 9 Daily: Mobile Phone (20/27- checking mail, contact teacher and/or classmates) Computer (11/27- homework, classwork) Weekly: Computer (16/27- homework, research) Monthly: Voice Recorders (in class for transcription exercises) DVD (in class, in SALC) Never: Personal Organisers, Radio, MP3

Do you enjoy using computers in class?

Why do you enjoy using computers in class? Class 6 “ Typing is fun” “I can improve my computer skills and English at the same time so it’s fun for me” “I can learn many things about world from my teacher and the internet” “It is challenging” “PC is a toy for me. There is a lot of way to use” “I like doing games, YouTube, and Internet” “I can communicate with many people” Class 9 “ I like typing” “It is useful and faster” (online journal) “I like researching on the internet and learning new things” “I like Facebook. It is fun and I can chat and learn more about my classmates” (less embarrassing than face to face) “I like , blogs and chat because I can communicate many friends and develop my ability” “Easier to check my mistakes”

Why don’t you like using computers in class? Class 6 “Don’t like technology” “I am not good at using computers” “It takes a while to get ready” “It is boring!” Class 9 “I don’t like technology” “I am often confused by computers” “It is too difficult” “I am not good at computers so I usually fall behind others”

Grrrrr

How often would you like to use computers in class? Class 6Class 9

What activities would you like to do on computers in class? Class 6  YouTube  Social Networking  Music ( not YouTube)  Videos ( not YouTube)  Internet Research  PPT Class 9  YouTube  Social networking (FB, blogs, Twitter)  Music (not YouTube)  Videos  Internet (chat, , Skype, research)  PPT  Moodle

For more information about this study or blended learning at KUIS please contact me at: