مقایسه‌ی دو روش آموزش مهارت نگارش زبان انگلیسی با استفاده از email و آموزش سنتی

  Background and objective: Current advances in computer technology and the rapid pace of change in communications affect the way English language (EL) teachers use information technology (IF) to develop students’ writing skills. With the advent of ICT there is now a wide range of opportunities open to classroom teachers. In our opinion, writing is the most important form of communication. It would appear, however, to be one of the hardest to master, for written words require thought and organization. But no matter how hard writing might appear Computer Mediated Communication (CMC) can be a valuable cure for the complex process of writing.   Material and Methods: To conduct this study 30 students were randomly selected from population of 100 students from Institute of Advanced Studies in Basic Sciences (IASBS). They were randomly assigned to control and experimental groups. After being subjected to the instruction both groups were given identical posttests and the results were compared. Not only did the experimental group do better than the control group on posttests but also the length of their writing was shorter and more effective than that of control group.   Results: The study showed that by using computers, students become better problem solvers and better communicators. Networking people "puts an inspiring, enticing, and usable set of tools within reach of the mass of computer users, empowering them to go beyond simply processing information to repurpose, design, publish, and express" (Mello, 1996). Through this increased electronic access to the world around them, students' social awareness and confidence increases. Networking frees them from the limitations of traditional writing tools that often inhibit and restrict writing processes.   Conclusions: Learning is transformed from a traditional passive exercise to an experience of discovery, exploration, and excitement. Students begin to realize their full potential when they are empowered to contribute and collaborate as a team to accomplish their writing tasks more effectively.