The effect of using computer-mediated communication on english language learners' socio-cultural competence

Abstract

This experimental study investigates the effect of using web-cam chat on the FL Learners' socio-cultural competence by answering the following question: What is the effect of using web-Cam chat on the socio-cultural competence of tenth grade students? And which socio-cultural aspects of language did the experimental group students develop more as results of using CMC. The sample of study consisted of 43 tenth grade students at A L -Sabila Private School for Boys, in the second semester of the scholastic year2010/2011. Section (A) consisted of (20) students. It was chosen as an experimental group, while section (B) consisted of (23) students. It was decided as a control group. Data were collected within sixteen weeks. The pre-test and the post-test were of two parts: A written part and oral dialogues that test the FL students' ability to interact culturally appropriately in communicative settings. Scores were tabulated and prepared for statistic a l analysis. To treat the raw scores statistically, T.test, One - Way ANOVA and Scheffe were used. The results o f t h e s t u d y have showed there is a statistically significant difference in the arithmetic mean in the achievement test for the experimental group. It means that the experimental group performed better than the control group. Then, the result of the study revealed that using web-cam chat alongside the traditional method has great effect on the socio-cultural competence of the FL learners. The researcher has recommended making many studies on the effect of CMC on other competencies of language.