Abstract:
The main objective of this study was to explore selected Ethiopian University English major third year students’
prospects and challenges in using printed and electronic English language learning resources. Relevant data
were collected from two conveniently sampled universities: Jimma and Wolkite Universities. The tools used to
collect data were questionnaire, interview, FGD and observation. 48 students who were enrolled in the
aforementioned universities in 2015/16 filled out the questionnaire, and 15 purposively selected students from
the sampled universities provided data through FGD. Interview with focal persons and observations were also
employed. Then, the data gathered were analyzed using descriptive statistics and non-parametric test (Wilcoxon
Signed Ranks Test). The data obtained through interview, FGD and observation were analyzed qualitatively
through emerging trends. The findings of this study revealed students limited access to computers and electronic
resources, and students in third generation universities are less likely to have adequate educational
infrastructures and lack of information retrieval skills to manipulate electronic resources. The students were also
found with less affiliation towards electronics resources. However, the students significantly prefer to spend
much time at English laboratories and to listen to online lectures to maximize their English language learning.
Despite this preference, Printed English language learning resources were found predominantly used by the
students under study.
