HYPERMEDIA GLOSSES AS ADJUNCT AIDS TO READING: MALAYSIAN ESL LEARNERS’ ATTITUDES
List of Authors
, WAN ZULKIFLI WAN KASSIM, WAN ZULKIFLI WAN KASSIM
Keyword
Hypermedia, CALL, reading, ESL, attitude
Abstract
Hypermedia glosses, in their role as adjunct aids to reading in computer-assisted language
learning environment, have been studied quite extensively as to their effects on L2 learners’ reading
comprehension and incidental vocabulary learning. By contrast, these glosses have not been wellresearched as regards L2 learners’ attitudes towards them. It is argued that learners’ attitude towards
instructional tools is an important variable because of its strong association with learners’ success.
Therefore, before investing time and financial resources into developing full-scale hypermedia
glosses for use as instructional interventions, learners’ attitudes towards the glosses need to be
extensively investigated first. In light of this, the present study aimed to determine how hypermedia
glosses are viewed by Malaysian ESL learners. The study employed descriptive research design,
with data collected both quantitatively and qualitatively. Participants were a convenience sample of
40 low-intermediate ESL (English as a Second Language) undergraduates from a Malaysian public
university in Kuala Nerus, Terengganu. They first read an electronic text containing 15 unfamiliar
words for which hypermedia glosses were supplied through hyperlinks. These glosses displayed a
combination of L1 (Malay) translations of the words and their corresponding images, either in static
or animated format. After the reading activity, the participants gave their feedback by completing
a brief questionnaire containing four items rated on a four-point Likert scale. Seven participants
were later interviewed for additional insights. Based on the results, it was found that most of the
participants viewed hypermedia glosses positively. Pedagogical implications will be discussed.
Reference
Alharbi, & B.(2018). The Impact of Glossed Texts on Reading Comprehension among Tertiary Saudi Students. Vol 11, 153. https://doi.org/10.5539/elt.v11n3p153