Using Weblogs in Foreign Language Classrooms: Possibilities and Challenges

Using Weblogs in Foreign Language Classrooms: Possibilities and Challenges

Theoretical Justification of Using Web 2.0

For last decades, significant theoretical paradigm shift have been occurring in the field from a of foreign language learning. The focus of research and pedagogy has shifted cognitive orientation to a social orientation, from classroom contexts to naturalistic settings, and from L2 learning to L2 use [1]. Together with these changes, concepts such as input, interaction, authenticity, and collaboration are recognized as critical factors to determine successful foreign language learning. Furthermore, negotiation of meaning in

          Web-based foreign language learning started back in early 90s, but it had limited benefits since it was mainly based on Web 1.0 which is characterized as non-participatory, static, read-only entity. In contrast, Web 2.0 technologies provide environments where users can communicate and collaborate in active manners. Two major features that distinguish Web 2.0 from Web 1.0 are the platform-based usage of the internet, harnessing of collective intelligence, and rich user experiences. Thus, web 2.0 technologies such as weblogs, podcasts, wikis, and YouTube provide language learners with the potential for a collaboration-oriented and community-based learning environment. Among  these innovative Web 2.0 technologies, weblogs are best received in field of education in general and foreign language education owing to their unique features.

Web 1.0 vs. Web 2.0

Web 1.0	Web 2.0
Web as Read-only	Web as Read-Write
Web as Medium	Web as Platform
Web of geeks and techies	Web of anyone willing to try
Web as Broadcast	Web as Conversation
Web as Static	Web as Dynamic

Characteristics of Weblogs

          1. Weblogs vs. other Asynchronous Web-based Communication Tools

         As a commonly used asynchronous web-based communication tool, weblogs share some similar features with other asynchronous communicative application such as email, discussion forums, and web pages. Weblogs can be view by anyone on the web and weblogs are also different that they are individually or group owned. Weblogs can easily include hyperlinks, images and video clips while the forum mainly consists of plan texts or attached files.

         2. Unique Features of Weblogs

          Weblogs typically share the following features:

-Individual ownership

-Updates displayed in reverse chronological order.

-Archival of postings

These unique features of weblogs have various characteristics that attract language educators and learners.

-Relevance

-Accessibility

-Interactivity

-Interest

With these characteristics, weblogs not only facilitate exchanging information and expanding communication but also provide learners with possibilities to enhance their language learning.

Using Weblogs in Foreign Language Classrooms

Table 2. Weblog Types

Type of Weblog	Characteristice
Tutor Class Learner	-administered by the instructor. - encouraged learners to do reading practice and explore links for self-study. - administered by the entire class. - encourages learners to post messages, images and links pertinent to classroom discussion topics. -administered by the learner. -encourages individual learners to post their thoughts about the reading.

          1. Possibilities and challenges of Tutor Weblogs

          A tutor weblogs are a platform for communication between teacher and students and among teachers.

          2. Possibilities and challenges of Learner Weblogs

            Since the learner weblogs usually function as 'online journal that an individual can continuously update with his or her own words, ideas, and thoughts’.

          3. Possibilities and challenges of Class Weblogs

Since class weblog are managed with collaborative efforts between students and teacher it can be used as an effective way to foster a feeling of community among the members of a class.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Weblogs

Weblogs are asserted to have several significant advantages for learning foreign languages.

-          Weblogs provide an authentic learning environment for real communication.

-          Weblogs function as online learning logs where learners record their learning experience. For teachers, this function can be used as e-polio that record learners’ progress.

-          Weblogs enable learners to create social networks and learning communities where they can interact and communicate their opinions and ideas.

Various studies have reported positive effects of using weblogs on the development of learner’s writing skills. Using weblogs in foreign language classrooms:

-          Enhances reading comprehension, improves students’ writing skills and abilities.

-          Develops writing and learning strategies.

-          Has a positive impact on the content and increases the amount of writing of learners.

-          Make students pay close attention to the formal aspects of writing.

-          The opportunity to write freely without being judge for their grammatical mistakes.

-          Develops ideas and provide feedback for the authors.

-          Enhances student analytical and critical thinking skills.

-           Increases student motivation in reading and writing skills.

On the other hand , It is difficult to keep students’ interesting in blog-based task. If learners are not encouraged, blogs can quickly be forgotten. In order for weblog to work best, teachers guided learners to from the habit of using them.

-          Teachers should respond to students’ posting quickly.

-          Students should be actively encouraged to read and respond to their peers.

-          Writing to blog could be required as part of the class assessment.