A study on computer assisted language learning and the development of learner autonomy

The purpose of this study is to gain insights into students' perception of learner autonomy development and to explore learners' perceptions of learning English within a CALL environment. In order to gain insights about the students' perceptions of learner autonomy development, four areas of learner autonomy were examined. These areas were as follows: (a) Learners' motivation level in learning English, (b) Learners' use of metacognitive strategies in learning English, (c) Learners' responsibility perception of their own and their teachers' in learning English and (d) Learners' practice of English in the outside class activities.In order to reach the goals mentioned above, both qualitative and quantitative data were collected by the help of questionnaires, semi-structured face-to-face interviews. The data collected from the questionnaire were subjected to descriptive analysis and the data collected from interviews were subjected to content analysis.The findings indicated that the majority of the students had a high motivation. Also, the results showed that most of them tended to use some metacognitive strategies like self-monitoring and self-evaluation. On the other hand, the findings revealed that most of the students considered the teacher as more responsible for most of the tasks during their own learning process, and tended to spend a little time for outside activities to improve their English. During the study, the students were encouraged to take an active involvement to the CALL classes to increase their motivation, use language learning strategies, take responsibility for their own learning and engage in outside class activities. Keywords: Computer assisted language learning, Learner autonomy.