The Use of an Internet Site and Text Bulletin Board to Practice English in an EFL Context.

Abstract

The present study investigated the effect of English practice using a Daily English Internet site and the Cyworld text bulletin board on English proficiency of EFL learners. 48 non-English major university students participated in the study. Quantitative data was collected based on pre and post- TOEIC reading and listening tests. The results of the paired samples t-test showed that the mean scores of the post-test were significantly higher than those of the pre-test. To obtain qualitative data, participants answered pre and post- questionnaires, showing positive reactions toward English practice. The findings suggest that the use of Internet sites, such as Daily English, could be useful for practicing English in an EFL context. For this kind of student-centered English practice, the use of a text bulletin board seems to motivate and facilitate interaction among students as the participants can see each other's practice samples on the board.