Learning objects in web-based language teaching: Effects on achievement, retention and attitudes

The aim of this research is to investigate the effects of web based language learning environments supported and enriched with learning objects on learners? achievement, retention and attitudes.To this end, the research was conducted in English I Course at the Department of Computer Programming in Kırıkkale University in 2010-2011 Fall Semester. During the research conducted quantitatively, in total 70 learning objects appropriate for six-week long lecture plan including a variety of audio, video, presentation, animation and images some of which converted from materials prepared by field experts and some of which prepared by the researcher by applying to expert opinions, were integrated into the Learning Management System of Kırıkkale University.The study group of this research consisted of 118 students categorized as one experimental and two control groups. In the experimental group, the lecture content of the students receiving web based language education was supported by learning objects while the other two control groups were instructed with traditional teaching. In the study, achievement, retention and attitude tests were used and analyzed with SPPS, data analysis software. The determined tools were implemented as pre and post tests to all three groups. Moreover, achievement test was administered as a retention test to all the groups after six weeks of the completion of the post-test. In addition, an attitude test was administered to the experimental group whose learning content was supported with learning objects in order to determine their attitudes towards them.In the light of the research results, web based language education supported by learning objects was found to have a positive effect on students being in the experimental group and in terms of retention a partial decrease was seen when compared to other two groups. In terms of the attitude test administered to the students in the experimental group, it was determined that students showed positive attitudes towards learning objects. This research is important since it shows that using learning objects in web based language education has a positive effect on the students? achievement and learning objects can be used in such learning environments. Moreover, it is notable that students showed positive attitudes towards learning objects. This research has also shown that learning objects being able to be used in foreign language education and object repositories hosting these learning objects are not sufficient and eliminating this insufficiency may contribute to web based language education.Key Words: Learning Object, Distance Education, Web Based Learning, Foreign Language Education, Educational Technology