BLOGS FOR LANGUAGE LEARNING
To make
learning more tailored,
more interactive and more self-motivated
the use of Web 2.0 technologies
such as blogs
or podcasts has emerged as a language learning tool. For learning
English language, blogging is an excellent learning platform which can develop the
students’ knowledge and their
language performance in
writing. It's a platform that facilitate
students to publish and distribute their work to a wider audience and
also see themselves as authors.
A blog ,also known as
weblog can be simply created and often
updated-- a minimum of
technical knowledge and
basic access to
the Internet, is all, that is
required. It resembles just an online
journal. Because of this, it is one amongst the simplest ways to publish
student writing on the World Wide Web (www). A typical blog combines text, images, and links to other blogs, web pages,
and other media related to its topic and focuses on specific areas such as art
(art blogs), photographs (photo blogs), videos (video blog or vblog), music
(MP3blogs), audio (podcasts) or micro blogs (that feature very short posts).
Blogs that are used as instructional resources or for academic purposes are known
as edublogs.
A weblog or a blog is
a feasible choice
when a public space is required
to present the
students’ work or
where students can share
experiences, opinions or creations that mirrors the best of their knowledge and
learning.
Though blogs are not
directly intended for educational purposes and uses, they have drawn attention
from EFL educators as they serve as a learning tool with the context of
learning a language.
Blogs or weblog reduces
the writing fear among the students. It additionally
permits subscribers or bloggers to gain knowledge from one another in terms of ideas, language
grammar and structure, and organization of their essays.
Blog is a latest form of blended learning. It
combines face to face (FTF) teaching and
learning by placing appropriate use of
technology at its
centre .
Blogs
are seen as
tools for learning
and can be used for developing
students’ language learning
in general or
develop the specific skills
like reading and writing .
ROLE
OF USING BLOGS IN LANGUAGE LEARNING
Blogs provide several advantages to our students
since they help to enhance the skills of
communicating, sharing, analyzing, reflecting, reading, writing, keeping
records and promote collaboration among the grown-ups.
According to some
research reports, use of blogs in language learning enhances --
1.Awareness
of the target culture
The use of blogs in EFL
learning contributes to gaining cultural knowledge, provides opportunities to
explore the target culture, and increases cultural awareness. Research shows
that learners gain cultural knowledge via blogs (Hauck, 2007) and have opportunities
to explore the target language and culture. The use of blogs enhances
cultural interaction, competence,
communication and exchanges.
2.
Interaction and communication
Blogs plays an significant
role in developing interactions among students and between teachers and
students within the target language. The
writing environments such as blogs and wikis enhance interactions and
communicative practices among learners. It
increases their motivation, and also enriches the discussions and
interactions. The use of blogs promotes
self-expression, interaction, self-evaluation, and language progress. Blogging
provides opportunities for communication in the target language.
Video blogs facilitate
learners to arrange and reflect on their learning products; they make available
opportunities for professional development, peer learning, visual illustration,
self-evaluation, technical enhancement, and relief from time constraints; and
finally, they facilitate real-time communication.
Emerging technologies, like
wikis and blogs, provide flexible means
for developing language and literacy skills through collaboration and
communication.
3.
Fundamental language skills
Blogging can enhance
the basic language skills especially
the reading and writing skills. Blogging
as a web-based e-learning tool enhances learners' language and critical thinking
skills. The many ways to develop reading and writing skills are---- encouraging the learner to write weekly summaries, recording vocabulary,
exploring hyperlinks, reading journals, describing pictures, exchanging blog
addresses and posting on cultural topics etc . Blogging fosters ownership and
creativity, allows learners to experiment with language, facilitates expression
in a relaxed environment, and creates awareness of the target culture.
Blogs enhances reading
processes, causes positive perceptions of reading, encourages classroom
discussions, and develops literacy . Blogs can be used as an online discussion environment. Classroom
blogging creates opportunities for learners to strengthen their digital fluency
and their traditional literacy skills. learners can collaborate, it deepens the learning
experience and allows them to create and design their own online contributions.
Blog is an encouraging platform for active and reflective participation in
learners’ generation and knowledge sharing and
it provides a space for purposeful academic writing.
4.Motivation,
perceptions, and attitudes
Research shows that the
blogging affects bloggers’ affective
states. Blogging enhances learners motivation, satisfaction ,perception of technological activities in the
language classroom . Blogging also positively affects the perceptions of and
attitudes towards EFL learning. Blogging encourages active engagement in
knowledge sharing and demonstrate
positive attitudes towards the use of blogs
5.Independent
learning and learning space
Blogs are often an
efficient tool for encouraging students
to reflect on their learning. It is a medium that provides individualized
self-expression.
Very Nice Maam
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