Las tecnologías de información y comunicación en las clases de español como lengua extranjera : Un estudio comparativo del efecto de un uso limitado o frecuente del ordenador en las competencias lingüísticas de estudiantes suecos de español de nivel B1

This study tested the hypothesis that the use of the computer is not a decisive factor in the development of linguistic skills in a communicative language class making use of different methods. The three aspects analysed were the effect of the computer on the general linguistic progress of a group and of individuals and also on separate linguistic skills.
A quasi-experiment was designed to collect comparable data at an upper secondary school in Sweden, focusing on two groups studying Spanish as a foreign language. During a school year, an experimental group used computers frequently, whereas a control group used computers now and then. Both groups studied the same course and the same content, using the same methods and activities, administered by the same teacher. Pre- and post-tests were used to measure the students’ levels of language proficiency and their progress. Qualitative and quantitative data concerning the groups, the lessons and the teacher’s work were collected.
The results show that at group and individual level the use of the computer is not a decisive factor in the development of linguistic skills in a communicative language class making use of different methods. The only clearly positive effect of the computer was seen in the written production of a high achievement group. The factors that had most impact on the linguistic development of the students proved to be previous knowledge of Spanish and interest in the course.