Knowledge Attitude and Practice of Students Towards Online Communication in EFL

Abstract

Online learning refers to education that occurs through the Internet using technological tools such as tablets, smartphones, laptops, and PCs. This study intends to determine how structural equation modeling (SEM) can be used to evaluate the adequacy of the variables included in the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) model concerning online communication in English as a foreign language (EFL). An exploratory study was conducted with 112 female undergraduate English language program (ELP) students at the King Khalid University of Saudi Arabia. A KAP questionnaire was distributed to those students using a Google form. The data analysis was carried out using SPSS version 20. The SEM analysis was conducted using Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS) software version 5.0. The results showed that the mean score of KAP toward online communication in EFL was 3.78, 3.90, and 3.70, respectively. The mean practice score is lower than the mean knowledge and attitude score. The SEM analysis demonstrated that the variables used in the KAP model are positively related (p<0.05). Variables used in the KAP questionnaire are adequately fit to evaluate the ELP students’ KAP toward online communication in EFL. Hence, policymakers can utilize these variables to assess the students’ KAP toward online communication in EFL at HEIs. The findings of KAP can aid universities in framing and implementing appropriate strategies to motivate online communication and enhance the student’s English language skills.