Ukrainian EFL Learners’ Use and Views of Electronic Dictionaries: a Case Study in Higher Education

Abstract

Dictionary usage is one of the potential English as a foreign language learning strategy. The research paper investigates current tendencies in electronic dictionaries use for EFL learning at Ukrainian universities and the attitudes of Ukrainian students toward them. The scholars attempt to answer the following question: What are Ukrainian EFL learners’ use and views of electronic dictionaries? The current study aims to fill a gap in existing literature regarding Ukrainian EFL learners’ preferences and the use of different electronic dictionaries for language learning. The significance of this research lies in understanding the learners’ preferences and support of the electronic dictionaries will help to find effective teaching practices fostering student-centered approaches. We used a quantitative method to collect research data through online tools (Google forms). It was achieved due to analyzing responses to the survey-based questionnaire of 32 learners of Vinnytsia Institute of Trade and Economics of the State University of Trade and Economics, Ukraine. The findings suggest that students usually use various types of electronic dictionaries because they help them to develop four basic language skills. The participants preferred using electronic dictionaries as effective and motivating aids. We concluded that Ukrainian learners had a positive attitude toward electronic dictionaries implementation as they can improve both the teaching and learning process in educational institutions.