Integrating E-Learning Portal in ESL Classroom
Universiti Malaysia Terengganu
ABSTRACT
Malaysia has adopted communicative approach and e-learning in language teaching and learning to empower the students with an ability to communicate in situations. Nevertheless, English language is still considered a major problem for students to master, specifically communication skills. This study investigated the potential impacts of integrating e-learning portal in ESL classroom. 20 students from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu were involved in a task demanding them to complete an oral presentation via e-learning portal. Students were tasked to integrate all the knowledge gathered from the e- learning portal and project their creativity during their oral presentation assignment. Active participation and interaction were requested during the oral presentation. From the study, it was found that the students overall had a positive perception towards using technological tools to aid their language learning. This study indicated that the integration of technology such as the e-learning portal with English language facilitated the language learning process and transformed the traditional passive experience to a new exciting experience in a non-threatening learning environment. The study revealed that the integration of e-learning portal in a communicative learning environment could reduce students’ psychological hindrance to enable them to express their opinions freely and to communicate actively with others using English language. Thus, this innovative venture in teaching and learning of language is able to enhance students’ language proficiency, problem-solving and communication skills.
KEYWORDS
technology, learning portal, e-learning, communication skills.