Research on using Facebook

The benefits of using Facebook

Below is a summary of a research paper on the efficacy of using WhatsApp with ESFL students. I have previously mentioned some positive experiences I have had with WhatsApp....please add yours.

 

"Conclusions and implications This study sought to explore the efficiency of WhatsApp vocabulary learning among EFL students. Results show that using WhatsApp has significantly increased learners’ vocabulary learning compared to the traditional method. Furthermore, using WhatsApp as a learning tool has been a positive experience for most participants as it has increased their motivation for learning. In light of these findings, it is recommended that language instructors consider using WhatsApp in teaching vocabulary and integrate it in the curriculum. WhatsApI p allows instructors to teach a larger number of vocabulary items given the fact that they may not have enough time to do that in class. It helps them also reach all students through virtual communication especially shy students who may not participate in a face-to-face interaction. However, instructors need to ensure the success of using WhatsApp by establishing some rules to keep students focused on task. Students tend to spend considerable time chatting and lose track of the purpose of using WhatsApp. Therefore, it is crucial that instructors monitor their students to maximize the gains of virtual learning."
 

https://www.academia.edu/38497974/The_Impact_of_WhatsApp_on_EFL_students_Vocabulary_Learning?email_work_card=thumbnail

 

 

 

--The Benefits

Comments

Thanks for sharing this study, Paul. It's interesting that the WhatsApp vocabulary group outperformed the paper and pencil group. It's not surprising that language learners engaged more when using WhatsApp since applying the technology to vocabulary learning may have been novel for them compared to the traditional paper and pencil.

In fact, I think the use of technology in teaching is critical for many reasons in our tech-saturated world! This realization became crystal clear during the pandemic. 

Cheers, Susan Finn Miller

Moderator, English Langauge Acquisition Group

Susan, I think that when students review or study lessons on WhatsApp, they do so in private, usually, and do not feel the pressure of a class. A relaxed mind can retain more efficiently than one under stress or distraction. 

In any case, there are many reports on the effectiveness of the use of techology in learning, especially when the lesson is given as  "Homework". Online learning also encourages student inititiave. The net result is that students can probably learn faster.

The question is - why don't some ESFL programs incorporate WhatsApp, Facebook and various free websites into their classes? I get the impression that there is not much interest, at least from these discussions. 

 

Paul, You make a good point about the value of technology integration, not only as part of instruction, but also for homework. I am a firm believer that teachers need to offer tech options for students to continue learning outside of class.

It would be great to hear from teachers who encourage learners to do homework using technology an integral part of their practice. Tell us how you've structures these opportunities, members!

Cheers, Susan