A Survey of EFL College Learners’ Perceptions of an On-Line Writing Program

Abstract

This survey adopted quantitative and qualitative methods to investigate 209 Chinese college learners’ perceptions of an on-line writing program, Pigaiwang, in a normal university. The survey questionnaire and interview results indicated that EFL college learners attach great importance to English writing, but they find English writing difficult, particularly in terms of vocabulary and grammar; the majority of college learners showed slightly more positive attitudes toward using Pigaiwang as a writing tool than as an essay grader; computer–mediated feedback could enlarge learners’ vocabulary size, and reduce the grammar and spelling linguistic errors in their writing compositions; the majority of college learners thought writing with Pigaiwang could improve learners’ English writing learning autonomy and they hoped to use on-line writing programs in future English writing.