Abstract

Although the iPad device has become a new trend as a teaching and learning tool in schools, using it in Saudi schools is still relatively new. So, the purpose of the study was to investigate whether the iPad enhances the teaching and learning styles in Arabic language classes for first grade in Albushra primary school. It also examined how this new educational tool affects students' skills and achievements, how teachers and students use it in their Arabic language classes, and what are advantages and disadvantages of using it in a class and at home. The study data was collected by conducting (1) the pre-and-post tests on two groups: Technology group taught by using iPad in Arabic language classes and Traditional group taught by using traditional teaching methods in order to know students' progress in reading, writing, and cognitive skills; and (2) interviews with Arabic teachers and parents whose children were taught by using iPad. The results of the study shows that the iPad is an effective teaching and learning tool in Arabic language classes, especially as it created very notable progress in students’ cognitive and reading skills. However, it may weaken handwriting skills of students if they learned writing Arabic by using their fingers on iPads instead of using stylus the most of the time, especially when they are at young age and need to learn how to hold pencil to write properly. As well, providing the iPad for each student might lead to less communication and cooperation between students in classrooms.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Arabic language--Study and teaching (Elementary); Arabic language--Computer-assisted instruction; iPad (Computer)

Publication Date

5-16-2016

Document Type

Thesis

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Human-Computer Interaction (MS)

Department, Program, or Center

Information Sciences and Technologies (GCCIS)

Advisor

Deborah LaBelle

Advisor/Committee Member

Elissa Weeden

Advisor/Committee Member

James Leone

Comments

Physical copy available from RIT's Wallace Library at PJ6308 .A57 2016

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

Download

Share

COinS