Abstract:

This study aimed at elaborating and validating an ESL/EFL software evaluation instrument that encompassed the principles of Communicative Language Teaching and an interactive approach to computer use for language learning. Once the instrument was elaborated, it was tested for its internal consistency and inter-item and inter-rater reliability. The results of the Pearson Coefficient and the ICC Coefficient measures indicated high levels of inter-rater reliability for the group of 26 teachers. The Cronbach’s Alpha Coefficients for the three programs indicated that the ESL/EFL software evaluation instrument had adequate levels of inter-item reliability. These results suggest that the ESL/EFL software evaluation instrument has high levels of internal consistency. These results indicate that the evaluation instrument has a high degree of reliability. The positive indicators of reliability obtained from the procedures used to assess the inter-rater reliability and the internal consistency and the face and content validity attributed to the instrument suggest that the ESL/EFL software evaluation instrument is potentially valid for assessing the degree to which ESL/EFL software programs develop language skills according to the Communicative Language Teaching principles and an interactive approach to computer use in language learning.

Keywords:

ESL/EFL software evaluation, Communicative Language Teaching, interactive approach to computer use for language learning.