I can't come to class: The role of technology in enhancing learning opportunities for Aboriginal English language learners

Abstract

This paper reports on the role of computer technology in providing ongoing learning opportunities outside of the classroom for adult Indigenous students. It presents the preliminary findings of a twelve month action research project which aimed to monitor and enhance student participation in out of class learning. The research participants were 37 adult Indigenous students enrolled in Certificate III in Spoken and Written English at Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education in the Northern Territory. Participation in out of class learning activities, commonly referred to by the students as 'homework', was heavily reliant on the use of computer technology. The homework activities incorporated reading, writing and listening tasks, designed to support and enhance ongoing learning skills through the use of an online interactive teaching space. Students' participation in homework activities was monitored through data collected from reflective surveys, focus groups, individual interviews and review of reports on computer access and usage. Computer access, lifestyle issues and individuals' attitudes were found to be the key factors influencing student participation in homework. The outcomes of the research will inform the development of course delivery models and modes of homework delivery for adult Indigenous students. Furthermore, the findings of the research will inform the development of innovative mixed mode and online course models.