Paper Title
A Study Of International Students Use Of Digital Technology To Assist In Second Language Learning
Abstract
This study was designed to explore the sociocultural experiences of Saudi international students studying English as a second language in an Australian tertiary institution. The research adopted a mixed method approach and from the qualitative data emerged the growing importance of the digital technology for these students as a means for improving language learning and social inclusion. Eighteen students volunteered for interviews and described the use of technology mediated resources to develop their language learning. The following are examples of technology supported inside and outside the classroom: emails, applications on mobile phones, YouTube, online tutoring and the university software management system. Findings suggested these students had positive attitudes toward online interactions and felt they enhanced learning and assisted in developing meaningful intercultural communication.
Index Terms- Digital technology, international students, second language learning, sociocultural theory, Social Network Sites (SNSS)