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.
