The Investigation of Taiwanese EFL Learners’ Using Experience on Language Exchange Social Networking Site and the Perspectives of Learner Satisfaction

• Main Authors: Ming-Yi Lin, 林明毅
• Other Authors: Tsu-Fu Wang
• Format: Others
• Language: en_US
• Published: 2013
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/11391348254652127000

碩士 === 國立雲林科技大學 === 應用外語系碩士班 === 101 === Abstract This study aimed to investigate Taiwanese EFL learners’ using experience on social networking sites for language exchange on the perspectives of the characteristics, learner satisfaction, difficulties and benefits they encountered as well. The research method of the study was a survey and a mix of qualitative and quantitative approach. The valid samples were 121 current users of Interpals; among them, 25 were male and 96 were female. The research tool was online questionnaire in terms of learner satisfaction measurement and interview record. Data analysis was computed by SPSS with descriptive statistics, one-sample t-test, and linear regression. The qualitative data was examined with content analysis.. According to the result of data analysis, the major findings in this study were presented as follows: First, the main group of Taiwan users consists female college and high school students (16-24 years old) who want to make friends and learn language. Second, overall learner satisfaction is positive especially in the dimensions of user interface and learning community; contrastingly, the content is the unsatisfying part of the website. Third, in terms of English learning, it is correlated to the computer-mediated communication tool provided by the websites, audio or text message benefits different aspects of learning. Fourth, the difficulties are mostly related to maintenance of the partnership and quality of language exchange. Last, as a whole, social networking site for language learning is still a potential and useful platform for language learners especially for EFL learners.