Vocabulary acquisition in reading: electronic glossary versus paper dictionary

Abstract

This paper reviews empirical research on vocabulary learning strategies and highlights the role of computers in EFL classes. As computers are introduced into schools in Lebanon, it is helpful to examine the effect of this tool on learning vocabulary. This study investigates the effect of electronic glossary and hypertext. Fifty students from the College Des Apotres-Jounieh were subjects for the study.The experimental group read the story, King Solomon's Mines, using a software which was designed to teach vocabulary through electronic glossary. They had access to understanding the meaning of the hyper linked words by simply clicking on them. The control group read the storybook and looked up the meaning of the italicized words in a monolingual paper. Data analysis of the post-test results shows no significant differences between the means of the two groups. Implications were drawn and suggestions for future research were made.