(IJACSA) International Journal of Advanced Computer Science and Applications, Vol. 12, No. 7, 2021 304 | Page www.ijacsa.thesai.org The Impact of CALL Software on the Performance of EFL Students in the Saudi University Context Ayman Khafaga 1 * Department of English, College of Science and Humanities, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia, & Department of English, Faculty of Arts and Humanities Suez Canal University, Egypt Abed Saif Ahmed Alghawli 2 Department of Computer Science, College of Science and Humanities, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Aflaj Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Abstract—This paper investigates the extent to which Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) contributes academically and pedagogically to the performance of students majoring English as a Foreign Language (EFL). The paper’s main objective is to explore the extent to which CALL is effective in developing the linguistic and communicative competence of EFL students in the skill of reading. This paper uses both quantitative and qualitative approaches in the process of data collection. As an empirical study, the sample in this study was 47 students studying English at Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University. The participants were classified into two groups: experimental and control; each of which has been assigned specific reading activities. The experimental group has been allocated technological learning, by means of using the computer programs of Snagit TM , Screencast; whereas the control group has been assigned traditional learning, i.e. without using computer. Results revealed that the use of CALL has more positive effects on the learning outcomes of the experimental group than those pertaining to the control group. This, in turn, accentuates the fact that the use and application of CALL into EFL contexts improves the students’ learning outcomes concerning the skill of reading. The study recommends further integration of computer software into the designation of the different EFL courses. Keywords—CALL; EFL students; Saudi university context; language skills; reading; Snagit TM ; screencast; performance; effectiveness I. INTRODUCTION The overwhelming use and application of CALL (computer-assisted language learning) significantly influences the process of teaching and learning in all fields and disciplines in general, and in teaching and learning English as a foreign language (EFL) in particular. The employment of computer technologies in learning has caused unprecedented advancement beyond the limits of traditional and conventional sources of knowledge [1], [2]. The interest in digital technologies shapes all aspects of life; education is no exception. Educational technology dominates the process of learning and teaching EFL courses in the Saudi universities, specifically in recent years. This computer technology exceeds the boundaries of knowledge to the extent that contributes to the education of language skills and linguistic courses [3], [4]. As one innovative manifestation of technological advancement in learning, computer-assisted language learning (henceforth, CALL) is not intended to replace the traditional classroom instruction; however, its main concern is to enhance the performance of learners as well as to offer them further benefits on learning [5]. Students can easily use these computer software and applications in their learning regardless of time and place. They can use the different CALL programs to improve their linguistic competence and performance in the various language skills, including writing, reading, listening, speaking, vocabulary, etc. [6], as well as to practice their English language via specific interactive activities that can be followed by immediate feedback monitoring their linguistic progress [7]. CALL is a learning approach, whose theoretical, applied and pedagogical frameworks allow the use and application of computer programs and computer-based resources in teaching and learning English [8]. CALL is a technological system that can assist in not only the learning and teaching EFL courses, but also in improving the linguistic and communicative competence of EFL students [9]. According to [10], CALL is a computer program that is principally devised and developed to target educational purposes manifested in offering instructional help and support for both students and teachers in learning and teaching English. This program has been under a constant process of development since it has firstly been introduced to the field of learning and teaching EFL courses. Such a development has shifted the focus of this program from a simple digital program focusing on textbooks to very advanced digital programs that serve to grant students the opportunity of not only to learn English through the use of computer, but also to create and develop their own learning styles and outcomes. Crucially, the popularity CALL software has nowadays is due to the prominent impact of the information communication technology (ICT) that dominates both society and education [11], [12]. CALL provides both synchronously and asynchronously types of learning in a way that enables students to learn in a cooperative environment and to create communicative activities in pairs and in group [13]. In the Saudi educational system, CALL has relatively been a novel concept for many years because learning EFL is limited in practice and is confined to the classroom. Recently, CALL is introduced into EFL classes, particularly in Saudi universities. Nowadays, one can notice the application of CALL programs to almost all Saudi universities to the extent that some of these institutions have an independent course entitled CALL, as is the case for Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, the setting where this study was conducted. This, *Corresponding Author