Internet-Based Immersive Learning (IIL): Applying Ubiquitous Web 1.0 and Web 2.0 Resources in EFL Learning

Authentic language materials are always considered ideal language acquisition resources. Today’s generation lives with the Internet, surfing over Internet resources every day. Web 1.0 and Web 2.0 provide authentic and learner-directed resources and platforms with accessible and ubiquitous features, which greatly benefits English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners living in non-English speaking countries. Despite abundant English resources available, most EFL learners usually still rely on the Internet resources of their first language. Therefore, this study aimed to devise a course adopting an immersive approach guiding students to live in an authentic English Internet life as native speakers do, thereby promoting EFL acquisition in real life. This study involved 62 college students around low intermediate levels in Taiwan, simulating a realistic English Internet life. Nine theme-based Internet resources were selected and task-based learning was employed. A survey was conducted at class end. Results show that four out of the five thematic websites considered the easiest to navigate and comprehend were presented via Web 1.0. Regarding the top five thematic websites that the students reported to browse after taking this course were related to recreation (music, movie, and travel), living consumption (shopping), and online community interaction (social media). Usefulness and interest are two major reasons motivating them to browse English websites. 61.3% and 38.7% of the students reported that they would “Strongly recommend” and “Recommend” this course respectively, demonstrating the effectiveness of the course. Qualitative results and implications were elaborated in the study.