Gender difference in perception and adoption of technology to enhance second language learning out-of-school

Abstract

Current research has identified various cases of gender difference in perception and adoption of technology in general and language learners’ use of technology for second language learning. To understand these differences, this study investigated the use of technology out-of-class to enhance their second language learning of the students in a Chinese high school in Chengdu, Sichuan. It was showed that males and females have some differences in using technology for affection regulation, technology for culture regulation, technology for metacognition regulation and technology for resource regulation. In addition, this study unraveled the factor of family background that influenced students’ perception and selective use of technology in second language learning.