Exploring students' attitudes and behaviours of computer assisted English learning: A Chinese mainland context

Although computer- assisted language learning (CALL) has played an important role in language curriculums for Chinese schools and university over two decades, few researchers shed lights on this technique from students’ views. Based on theories of human agency, it is essential to know people’ attitudes and acceptances of the information technology (Rogers, 1983). Hence, this paper explores university students’ attitudes on the widespread technique of using computer-assisted language learning in the subject university in mainland China. Data was collected by using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Current computer-related behaviours were investigated by using questionnaire questions; while their attitudes towards CALL in universities explored by adopting a semi-structured interview. On the one hand, the results of the survey present that students do not use computers to assist their English learning. However, on the other hand, students hold a positive attitude on applying CALL in English classes in the interviews if efficient guidance is available. It may be inferred that more accompanied trainings and workshops would be provided in mainland universities for university students.