Enhancing the English Reading and Writing Skills of Palestinian English Majors by Using CALL

Abstract

This study investigates enhancing the English Reading and Writing Skills of Palestinian English Majors by Using CALL. The study was conducted at the English Department in Hebron University in the second semester of the academic year 2008-2009. The focus of the study is the Integrated Language Skills course. The population comprised 104 students. The students took the reading and writing portions of a standardized English language test, and a questionnaire was used to assess the achievement of the control group and the experimental group. The two researchers investigated whether there was a significant difference between the two groups in four dimensions, namely, computter anxiety, computer importance, attitudes, and productivity. The results indicate that CALL enhanced the Reading and Writing skills as evidenced by the statistically significcant differences in the post-test between the control group and the experimental group. Also, using CALL has been shown to include the added advantages of promoting mottivation, increasing self-confidence, encouraging learner-centeredness and decreasing the anxiety felt by the students. Moreover, CALL makes EFL enjoyable, meaningful, motivating relevant, and exciting. Finally, the results of this study revealed that using CALL enhances the reading and writing skills and proficiency of English majors. The two researchers conclude by offering some practical recommendations on using CALL to enhance English language skills of English majors at Hebron University.