Utilizing a social networking website as an esl
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This study explored using a social networking website (Facebook) as part of a blended learning environment for ESL students in Malaysia. The researcher created a closed Facebook group for a class of 30 third-year undergraduates and assigned online activities like posting videos, uploading photos from campus with descriptions. Most students found using Facebook as a learning tool interesting and it helped them improve their English through interactions. The blended approach extended limited class time and made learning more appealing to students.
Utilizing a social networking website as an esl
- 1. Utilizing a Social Networking Website as an ESL Pedagogical Tool in a Blended Learning Environment By Sawika Suanyot 520210069
- 2. Introduction • The term “blended learning” is used to describe the use of both face-to-face and online modes of instruction in an education program. • Online instruction or e-learning has become more common and this has encouraged educators to explore its use in a variety of ways
- 3. Introduction • This exploratory study was conducted to explore the possibility of blending a conventional classroom teaching with an online instruction via a social networking website
- 4. Benefits of Online activities • Extending limited class time. • Enhancing in-class lessons. • Promoting self-directed learning • Providing a less threatening environment for student-lecturer as well as student- student interactions.
- 6. Methodology • The participants of this study took 30 third year undergraduates of 20 males and 10 females in Malaysia. • They had already had their Facebook accounts for more than one year. But they had never used the Facebook Group features for the purpose of learning.
- 7. Methodology • The lecturer created a group on Facebook with a privacy level which is Closed.
- 8. Online Activities • The lecturer posted a video via a link from YouTube. Students have to watch and use the comment feature of the Facebook Group. • The students were assigned to capture images around the campus. Then, upload their picture on Facebook Group and write a paragraph about their picture.
- 9. Results • Having a Closed Group encourages their participation. • Most of students found the use of Facebook Group as a learning tool is interesting. • Very few among them, actually use Standard English to chat to each other. So they can improve their English. • Students can easily talk to their teacher on Facebook Group. So they get closed to the teacher.
- 10. Conclusion • Blending conventional face-to-face instruction with online learning activities does not only solve teachers’ problem of inadequate class time but will make learning more appealing to the techno-savvy younger generation learners.