Interaction with ICT in Language Learning among Pre-school Children in Saudi Arabia.

 
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this research is to investigate the significance of tablets in the classroom and to find whether the tablets can enhance the metacognitive competencies, core competencies and language competencies among the preschool children of Saudi Arabia. The study used the mixed method approach to find how preschool children interact with Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and consequentially to understand how ICT can be introduced for teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL) to preschool children in Saudi Arabia.  The study data were collected by conducting English tests with the two groups of children before and after ICT intervention, and observation analysis of the children and teachers in the class during the intervention. The findings confirmed that two aspects play a role in the effectiveness of using ICT for teaching EFL to Saudi preschool children. These are, first, designing the right course content suitable for Saudi context and, second, equipping the teachers with skills and capabilities to interact and engage properly in using the ICT for teaching EFL. The findings confirmed that the use of ICT in the language learning process for the preschool children can enhance their language learning skills. It provides them with the opportunity to explore various new areas and improves their knowledge construction.