A Research Study into the Impact of Semantic Mapping: Digital vs Paper-based

Authors : Banu Bilir, Eda Ercandemirel

Pages : 191-216

View : 82 | Download : 92

Publication Date : 2023-10-29

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :This study aims to compare the effect of semantic mapping strategy on vocabulary acquisition using digital and non-digital tools. A quasi-experimental design was carried out with the participation of 42 students studying in various departments at Dokuz Eylül University, School of Foreign Languages. Two experimental groups were randomly formed as \"Digital Semantic Mapping Group\" and \"Paper-based Semantic Mapping Group\". The implementation process lasted six weeks. Based on mixed method research design, for the quantitative part of the study, data was collected by the pre-test and post-test developed by the researcher. Both groups used the same reading texts during the study and applied the same procedures except for the digital/paper-based difference. To evaluate the success of the implementation, statistical analysis was performed using T-test to compare the results obtained from the pre/post-tests. In order to obtain the qualitative data of the study, structured interview questions prepared by the researcher and edited by taking expert opinion were applied with 10 participants, five from each group, and information about students\' motivation to use the semantic mapping strategy was collected. Quantitative data analysis showed that there was no significant difference between two groups in terms of learning outcomes. Based on this finding, it is possible to say that using the semantic mapping strategy with both digital and non-digital tools yields efficient results for new vocabulary acquisition. However, the findings of the structured interviews revealed that students who applied the digital semantic mapping strategy showed more enthusiasm for vocabulary development. Based on this result, it can be said that students who are more accustomed to using technology have higher motivation when using digital semantic mapping. This can be interpreted in relation to the participants in the study being digital natives and their familiarity with digital tools.
Keywords : Anlamsal Haritalama Stratejisi, Dijital Anlamsal Haritalama, Kâğıt tabanlı Anlamsal Haritalama, Dijital olmayan, Dijital Yerliler