Home PublicationsJRTEPast IssuesVolume 38 Number 3: Spring 2006

	Edited by Dr. Lynne Schrum, University of Utah
formerly Journal of Research on Computing in Education

Volume 38 Number 3 Spring 2006

An Investigation of Communicative Competence of ESL Students Using Electronic Discussion Boards

Shenghua Zha, Paul Kelly, MeeAeng Ko Park, and Gail Fitzgerald
University of Missouri-Columbia

Abstract

This study focuses on the use of electronic discussion boards with elementary-aged English as a Second Language (ESL) students. The purpose of the study is to investigate students’ communicative competence in a computer-mediated communication environment. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used to analyze 956 messages posted by 28 ESL students to the electronic discussion board during a six-week period of time. Changes were found in children’s use of language for social purposes and appropriate use of language in different social and cultural settings. Recommendations for teachers include the design of online discussion activities and future considerations of peer assistance in language learning.

 Download the full article PDF (PDF, 344 KB, PDF instructions)

Contributor

Shenghua Zha is a doctoral student in the School of Information Science and Learning Technologies at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Her research interests include computer-mediated communication, ESL learning, and computer- supported collaborative learning.

Paul Kelly is a doctoral student in the School of Information Science and Learning Technologies at the University of Missouri-Columbia, and Assistant Superintendent of Schools in Park Hill School, MO. His research interests include K–12 technology integration, the digital divide, and electronic communities.

MeeAeng Ko Park is a doctoral student in the School of Information Science and Learning Technologies at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Her research interests include multicultural issues in information science and learning technologies, the digital divide, and online communication.

Dr. Gail Fitzgerald is a professor in the School of Information Science and Learning Technologies at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Her research interests include multimedia, case-based teaching, electronic performance support tools and computer-mediated communication in teacher education.

Contact

Shenghua Zha
118 London Hall
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, MO 65211
sz5wf@mizzou.edu

Paul Kelly
Park Hill School District
7703 NW Barry Road
Kansas City, Missouri 64153
pvk0fa@missouri.edu

MeeAeng Ko Park
111 London Hall
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, MO 65211
mak0ea@mizzou.edu

Gail Fitzgerald
303 Townsend Hall
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, MO 65211
FitzgeraldG@missouri.edu

Copyright © 2006, ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education). All rights reserved.