Applicability of the computer-assisted language learning approach as a methodological strategy for the development of communication skills

Abstract

The learning of the English language has become a necessity in recent years, as it is an important tool in people’s working life. This research aimed to investigate the applicability of the Computer Assisted Language Learning Approach (CALL) in the development of communicative skills, of students of second year of the English teaching degree, Saturday shift, at FAREM-Estelí, during the school year 2017. The poor development of students’ communicative skills is a problem among FAREM-Estelí students. An exploratory research, following a qualitative approach, was developed. Interviews, surveys and class observations were used as data collection methods. The population consisted of two professors and 132 students, and the sample was made up by the two professors and 25 students of the second year, Saturday shift. The applicability of the CALL approach in the development of students’ communicative skills was determined. The findings indicate that professors implement methodological strategies without using ICT tools. It is expected that this study contribute to the improvement of the teaching of English at a university level.