Teaching Vocabulary to EFL College Students Online

Abstract

Technology is not currently used in EFL classrooms at King Saud University. Therefore an attempt was made to use online learning in EFL vocabulary instruction from home, as a supplement to classroom instruction. Comparisons of the pre and posttest mean scores of 53 freshman students showed significant differences indicating that online instruction affected vocabulary development. The posttest scores also correlated with the frequency of using the online course. Active participants made higher gains than inactive participants It was concluded that in learning environments where technology is unavailable to EFL students and instructors, the use of technology from home and even as a supplement to traditional classroom techniques helps motivate and enhance EFL students' learning and acquisition of English vocabulary.

Keywords: online teaching, vocabulary teaching, online instruction, online courses, web-based instructions