Weblogs Enhancing EFL Students’ English Language Learning

Weblogs Enhancing EFL Students’ English Language Learning
Usa Noytim

Abstract
Weblog is currently being used extensively by English language teachers to enhance student English language learning. Weblog provides opportunities for learners to publish their thoughts and ideas, express their voices, share information, and exchange ideas. It is easily created, tailored, and used and is updateable. It also allows feedback from reader to develop critical thinking skills. This study investigated the impact of Weblog use on English language learning in the context of a university in Thailand. The study used Weblog as a tool for students to post their ideas, reflect on their learning experiences, and make comments on other students’ Blogs. It examined students’ perceptions and attitudes towards using Weblogs. Twenty English major students who were enrolled in Academic Reading and Writing course wrote their Blogs after reading and discussing texts in class. The data derived from questionnaires, interviews and student Blogs. The findings indicated that the students perceived Weblog as a tool for the development of their English, in terms of writing, reading, vocabulary, and recording their learning experience. In addition, the students viewed Weblog as an opportunity to express themselves in English and to exchange information. They saw Weblog as giving them freedom to write not only for their classmates but also for a global audience. The students also perceived Weblog writing as fostering creative, analytical and critical thinking skills. Finally, they felt that using Weblog created social interaction, built good relationships between writer and reader, and supported the learning community. Overall then, in spite of some minor limitations such as the slow speed of their Internet connections and the difficulties associated with reading online, they had positive attitudes towards the use of Weblog. These findings suggest that Weblogs can provide learning motivation and opportunities for authorship, as well as the development of writing and learning strategies, including critical thinking.