Applying self-regulated learning strategies with an ICT tool for out of class language learning and Its effect on students' academic success

Combining ICT with language teaching has become one of the most popular topics over the last two decades in ELT area. Technology can be considered as one of the most authentic and enjoyable platforms for the language learners if it is used effectively and truly. In order to understand the effectiveness of ICT related tools on language learning, learners should be engaged self-initiated use of technology in language learning. This study examined students' use of technology out of class to self-regulate their language learning and its effects on their achievement in an English preparatory school. In order to find out the possible effects of strategies on their perspectives regarding the use of such strategies and ICT based tools, the research was carried out with 57 students. It took place at English preparatory school of a university in İstanbul. Both quantitative and qualitative data collections were done through two questionnaires adapted from Lai and Gu (2011) and six open-ended questions are also asked to find out if using an ICT based application outside the classroom could develop English preparatory school students' self-regulated learning (SRL) and their academic achievements. The analysis of the collected data indicated that English language learners were tend to actually use both ICT and English Central (EC) - the name of the application used- for out of class learning. However, they were not exactly aware of how to regulate their ICT usage to improve their learning. The result of the research pointed out that there is an absolute need for a training to develop learners' metacognitive regulation to see more effective result of ICT usage out of class learning