Innovation in Language Learning

This study examined the effects of using the word processor and online dictionaries on the writing ability of ESP civil engineering students. The participants consisted of 40 Male Iranian civil engineering students enrolled in an ESP course. They were divided into two control and experimental groups. The learners in the control group wrote their paragraphs on the paper and used any dictionary or book which they had at home, whereas the learners in the experimental group were trained in using Microsoft Office Word 2010 and online dictionaries for writing their paragraphs. At the end of the four-month treatment period, the two groups were compared in terms of their knowledge of mechanics of writing, writing accuracy, and writing fluency.  The results of the quantitative phase of the study indicated that word processing and the use of online dictionaries did not improve the learners’ writing fluency, while it significantly affected their correct use of mechanics of writing and writing accuracy. The data from the qualitative analysis of data also demonstrated that the technology-using group had a positive attitude towards writing and believed that, after all, writing in English was not as bad as they thought it was, while the paper and pencil group maintained that they did not like to write in English mainly because it reminded them of how weak they are in the use of L2 for productive purposes.