Exploration of the attitudes of freshman foreign language students toward using computers at a Turkish state university

Abstract

The present study expands the design of Warschauer (1996) surveying freshman foreign language students at a Turkish university. Motivating aspects of computer assisted instruction in terms of writing and e-mailing are explored through an exploratory factor analysis conducted on the survey developed by Warschauer (1996). Findings suggest that learners have positive attitudes towards CALL because of computers' potential to sustain independence, learning, collaboration, instrumental benefits, empowerment, comfort and communication. Influence of several background variables on attitudes towards CALL is also explored through relevant parametric tests. Analyses revealed that gender and age did not have an effect on attitude scores whereas having a PC at home, PC experience and hours of Internet use were related to attitudes towards CALL. Implications of the present study and suggestions for further research are provided.