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

          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.

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

          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

          1. Possibilities and challenges of Tutor Weblogs

          A tutor weblogs can have possible three functions. First, it can function as a space through which a teacher provide learners with course related information. Second, it can function as a platform to help learners explore the Web resources in a guided manner. Third, weblogs can used to allow learners to express their idea and opinions.

          2. Possibilities and challenges of Learner Weblogs

          In this type of class, learners have a stronger purpose to write due to the existence of a real audience. Learners in this situation tend to be more concerned about writing more correctly

          3. Possibilities and challenges of Class Weblogs

          Class weblog can be best used as a collaborative discussion space, an extra-curricular extension of the classroom, encouraging students to reflect more in depth on the topics deals with in 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.

·       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.

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.