Browsing by Author "Shantha, P. H. A. B."

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Attitudes towards the Use of Web 2.0 Tools for Learning ESL: A Case Study Conducted at the Advanced Technological Institute, Gampaha.
(The Third International Conference on Linguistics in Sri Lanka, ICLSL 2017. Department of Linguistics, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2017) Jayathilake, M. V. M.; Shantha, P. H. A. B.
With the advancement of the web technologies, almost all the fields get more benefits than previously and education is one of most benefited sectors. There is a growing interest in online classroom settings in learning second languages. There are a number of research studies that have used empirical and exploratory methods to assess and evaluate the actual impact of using Web 2.0 tools in learning English as second language, because Web 2.0 tools have shifted language learners from passive recipients into active contributors. Based on this rationale, the present study aims at exploring attitudes toward the use of Web 2.0 tools for leaning English as a second language. However, the question arises as to whether alternative higher education sector students have similar Web 2.0 experiences in ESL as their higher education sector peers. In this study, the core objective is to evaluate attitudes towards using Web 2.0 tools in Leaning English as a Second Language in the higher Education sector of Sri Lanka. Accordingly, 260 students from Advanced Technological Institute (ATI), Gampaha were selected as the sample. Framework of this study is based on Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The study made use of a mixed method approach and the participants‟ attitudes were elicited through the use of a questionnaire which included open-ended questions to collect qualitative data and structured questions which ensured the collection of quantitative data. Responses given to open-ended questions were analyzed through coding the statements while the responses to structured questions were analyzed by calculating the frequencies. The results showed that all the respondents rated the items positively within all six dimensions of TAM. Web 2.0 tools had significant correlations to TAM dimensions and the majority of students have positive attitudes regarding the use of an interactive web environment and the learning benefits that ensued.
Evaluate the acceptance of web 2.0 tools for learning in alternative higher education sector in Sri Lanka.
(International Research Symposium on Pure and Applied Sciences, 2017 Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2017) Jayathilake, M. V. M.; Shantha, P. H. A. B.
Improvement of ICT has affected all the fields related to human life. All most all the fields get more benefits than previously. The education field is one of the most impacted sectors. Web 2.0 is such a technology that provides very effective web-based collaborative systems. There are number of research studies that have conducted empirical and exploratory research to assess and evaluate the actual impact of using Web 2.0 tools in learning process. Because, Web 2.0 tools have shifted language learners from passive recipients into active contributors. Based on this rationale, the present study aimed to explore the acceptance toward the use of Web 2.0 tools for learning. In this study, the core objective is to evaluate the acceptance towards using Web 2.0 tools to Learning in higher Education sector Sri Lanka. In order to do so, 280 students from Sri Lanka Institute of Advanced Technological Education was selected randomly as a sample. Framework of this study is based on Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). A conceptual model has 9 variables and associated hypotheses were designed based on the literature review and the initial primary study. The nine variables perceived usefulness, performance expectancy, social factor, behavioral intentions, prior knowledge or the use for social purpose, facilitating conditions, motivation to use, ease of use and the actual use. A questionnaire was developed from the model operationalization. The findings of the study have shown and validated what was previously found in the literature in which the majority of students is positive about the use of an interactive web environment, and found its use beneficial for their learning. Some of the validated variables perceived usefulness and prior knowledge. The conclusion of this study is the utilization of Web 2.0 facilities to stimulate participation in learning. This study will contribute to the body of knowledge on the acceptance of Web 2.0 social networking tools in learning.