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English-language learners (ELL) consist of the fastest growing percentage of the overall student body (National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition and Language Instruction Education Programs (NCLEA, 2007). In 1979 to 2003, the ELL students increased by 124%, while other student populations increased by 19% (National Center for Education Statistics, 2004). It is also likely that the percentage of ELL students in American public schools will continue to grow. Additionally, ELL students are spread all over other several states in the nation (Capps, Fix, Murray, Ost, Passel, & Herwantoro, 2005; Flynn & Hill, 2005). About 8 out of 10 ELL students speak Spanish, but some districts have students who represent more than 100 different language groups (National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition and Language Instruction Education Programs (NCLEA, 2007).
While computer-assisted instruction (CAI) has provided a supplemental instructional method in schools for almost two decades, there is still debate on the importance of delivery systems and instructional methods. CAI generally refers to drill-and-practice, tutorials, simulation/interactive thinking, word processing, conferencing, and other activities (Fletcher-Flinn & Gravatt, 1995). Specifically, CAI consists of drill and practice, simulation tasks, instructional games, and tutorials; instruction can contain new material, and can be used alone or as an enhancement to traditional instructional methods (Bitter & Pierson, 1999; Cotton, 2001).
Computer use in the classrooms has boomed since the 1980s, fueling a debate over whether or not computer-assisted instruction (CAI) is an effective means of improving student achievement. CAI is one of the six best practices, which support literacy learning at the elementary school level (Drake, 2001). Proponents of CAI argue that there is a positive learning advantage for computer-assisted instruction when compared with traditional instruction (Fletcher-Flinn & Gravatt, 1995). Additionally, computer technology makes learning easier, more efficient, and more motivating (Schacter & Fagnano, 1999). There are many reasons that educators should put computer technology in ELL environment: a) It gives a practice time, b) It motivates students, c) It enhance student learning, d) It increase authentic materials that students can study, and e) It encourage team work between students (Lee, 2000).
In a meta-analysis of 500 studies, Kulik (1994) reported that CAI increased the positive attitudes of students toward learning, which resulted in increased learning. Similar to the findings of Niemiec and Walberg (1987), Kulik’s findings suggest that CAI is more effective in improving achievement of younger students and students with special learning needs. Students of lower socio-economic status benefit more from CAI than do students who are from a more advantaged environment (Cotton, 2001). The findings from a comparison study in motivation of elementary and intermediate level second-language students learning English through print revealed that CAI increases motivation for learning English in students whose primary language is not English (Garcia & Arias, 2000). Other findings suggest that students learning increased up to 40% faster through CAI instruction as this mode increases student time on task (Cotton, 2001). Further, CAI boosts positive attitudes of students toward learning.