Prospects and Challenges of Students in Using the Printed and Electronic English Language Learning Resources: Third Year English Major Selected Ethiopian University Students in Focus

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.