Abstract

LIZASOAIN C, Andrea; ORTIZ DE ZARATE F, Amalia  and  BECCHI MANSILLA, Claudia. Using an ICT tool for teaching English in a rural context. Educ. Pesqui. [online]. 2018, vol.44, e167454.  Epub Mar 15, 2018. ISSN 1678-4634.  https://doi.org/10.1590/s1678-4634201844167454.

This article reports the results of a study that aimed to examine the impact of an ICT tool for self-learning English as a Foreign Language (EFL) in a rural context in Chile. The Chilean government has tried to improve communicative competence in EFL for over a decade. In this context, It’s My Turn has been introduced in all the schools of the country’s rural zones. In order to prove its effectiveness, the learning achievements of 76 fifth and sixth grade students from seven rural elementary schools in the Región de los Ríos (RdlR) were measured through input/output tests. At the same time, observations were carried out to examine the tool’s use by the teachers. The results of a t-test showed a significant difference between the input and output tests (p < 0.0001), which supports the program’s effectiveness. Classroom observations revealed heterogeneous methods of implementation and different degrees in the use of the mother tongue and the foreign language, which seemed to have an impact on learning achievements. While recognizing that other factors may be involved, we conclude that It’s my Turn is an effective ICT tool for teaching English in rural contexts in which there would otherwise not be any alternative possibilities to learn the language.

Keywords : ICT; Self-learning; English as a Foreign Language; Rural Education; English Literacy.

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