scholarly journals Role of Social Media in English Language Learning to the Adult Learners

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 238-247
Author(s):  
Meenakshi Sharma Yadav

Today social media has become part and parcel of adults’ lives. Adult learners use social media much as a key to learn and improve their English as a foreign language (EFL) in academics. Currently, English instructors also encourage their adult learners within the realm of technologies. These learners are too self-motivated to use social media tools to learn English language skills. During texting, chatting, and socializing with friends, family, and global society on Facebook, WhatsApp, Blogs, Wikis, LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitter, Telegram, Hangout, and Snapchat, social media are facilitating and enhancing the process for both teachers and the adult learners worldwide. Due to proliferation of advanced technological equipped electronic handy-gadgets, like smartphones, tablets, laptops, and watches, EFL learners (EFLL) with different social media applications (Apps) and tools have become easy, mobile, and flexible. Even spectacular innovation and creation of mobile Apps of international testing agencies and institutes for EFLL are available formally and informally worldwide. Therefore, in this scientific descriptive research article, the critical study investigates the hypothetical propositions about the presumed relations among observed phenomena and personal experience of various websites and social media Apps' interwoven role, creative ways of functioning, and prospects scientifically in the EFLL for adult learners. An adult learner can master a specific skill while using these Apps on social media. Moreover, it is supposed to be handled meticulously and precisely. In that case, social media can prove a boon and panacea for adult learners inside and outside the classroom.

Author(s):  
Hanan MOHAMMED ALSHEHAB

The effect of Social Media (SM) technology on human life in the 21St century cannot be denied; the use of SM platforms can be seen in various fields, such as education, medicine, politics, social life, communication methods, and daily life. The research aimed to investigate SM’s impact on Female Saudi International Students’ (FSIS) English language learning and creation of identities. This study utilized a qualitative method to obtain in-depth knowledge of FSIS’ practices on SM and the effects on their learning and identity. The semi-structured interview was used to collect the data from eight FSIS. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Three main themes were generated: FSIS’ daily practices, FSIS’ digital identity, and FSIS’languages on SM. The findings show that FSIS is active on SM, having accounts on different SM platforms. They communicate with people from Saudi Arabia and of different nationalities. Also, the findings assert that FSIS has a strong digital identity on SM. Moreover, the findings emphasized that using SM helps some of the FSIS to improve their English language proficiency. They use SM as a learning tool for English language acquisition. The limitations and the implications of the study are stated in the Conclusion. For further research, suggestions are made to investigate more phenomena regarding Saudis’ using of SM.


2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 265-271
Author(s):  
Evi Mahsunah

This study explores the changing students’ habit update status in social media into update chapter to increase their achievement in English. It is a learning strategy in English language teaching and learning using social media technology. The aim is to motivate students more active to read their literature and then share and discuss their reading in social media. The students not only have to update their chapter in reading, but also have to give comment or respond to their friends update. So, this strategy makes the students discuss their lesson more than usual. This study uses questioner and documentation technic to collect the data. Based on the data, it is known that students are already using social media for purposes that include the social and the educational. Update chapter make them using this technology in class/after class. Social media brings learning outside the classroom autonomous, independent, motivational and fun. Therefore, the students‘achievement in English language teaching and learning also increases significant.


Author(s):  
Revathi Viswanathan

With the advancement in technological tools and devices, language teachers can foster learning of communication skills through mobile devices. There is a growing interest among students to use the latest gadgets for getting connected with their peers. It must be admitted that the usage of these devices would bring in a real revolution in the teaching and learning process. It has been widely accepted that mobile learning promotes students' active participation. Teachers also now understand that one of their responsibilities is to create more opportunities to make their students practice language skills. Although numerous researches has been done in the field of English Language Teaching in India, research on mobile assisted language learning is still in an infancy stage. In this chapter, the author discusses the possibility of offering training through mobile apps, based on research she conducted recently.


Author(s):  
Yangting Wang ◽  
M. Sidury Christiansen

A majority of research on mobile-assisted language learning focuses on traditional English language learners: thus, little attention has been paid to older adult learners. The purpose of the study is to explore the learning experiences of Chinese older adults using the free and popular English learning mobile apps, Duolingo/Hello English, Baicizhan, and Liulishuo, in a self-directed learning (SDL) context. A 17-week sequential mixed-methods study was designed. 55 older adults from age 45 to 85 participated. The informed grounded theory was used and Saldana's coding techniques for qualitative analysis. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired sample t-tests. Findings demonstrate that older adults persisted in learning using mobile apps for 17 weeks and increased their vocabulary significantly. Finally, a transformational learning model called MISAPP was created based on the empirical data and the SDL theory.


Author(s):  
Agnes Bodis

Abstract International education constitutes a key industry in Australia and international students represent a third of university students at Australian universities. This paper examines the media representation of international students in terms of their English language proficiency. The study applies Critical Discourse Analysis to the multimodal data of an episode of a current affairs TV program, Four Corners, and social media comments made to the episode. Using Social Actor Analysis, the study finds that the responsibility for declining standards at universities is assigned to international students through representations of their language use as problematic. This is supported by the visual representation of international students as different. By systematically mapping out the English-as-a-problem discourse, the paper finds that the media representation of language proficiency and language learning is simplistic and naïve and the social media discussion reinforces this. This further contributes to the discursive exclusion of international students.


1994 ◽  
Vol 49 ◽  
pp. 83-88
Author(s):  
Sake Jager

This review discusses four CALL programs demonstrated during the ANéLA CALL workshop. The programs differ considerably in scope and technical capabilities, although three are aimed at business English and two feature multi-media capabilities. ENID is an idiom-training program offering a wide range of exercise modes to make vocabulary learning challenging and effective. The exercises focus on business English but the contents can be adapted to suit the teacher's own needs. It runs on virtually any pc. American Letterbox is geared towards facilitating the letter writing process by reinforcing the students' awareness of the situational background. Although it almost certainly covers a niche in the market, it suffers from a poor translation of the original Dutch course into English. Voicecart is a sound-enabled authoring system, which makes it possible for teachers to develop their own pronunciation and listening comprehension exercises. It is easy to use and more flexible than the traditional language lab, but teachers might prefer to wait for a version of the program using a type of soundcard which is more compatible with other multi-media applications. English Express is by far the most advanced of the products reviewed. It is a video-supported course covering business English in particular. A full course in English language learning skills offering authentic language use and fully functional, flexible training facilities, it is a great course for institutions and companies that can afford the hard- and software investments.


The purpose of this descriptive research study is to find out the perceptions of students and teachers about the problems and challenges in learning and teaching of English language in Madrassas located in urban area of District Mardan. The main objectives of the study are to assess the attitude of both the students and teachers towards English language; to find out the required facilities for the teaching and learning of English and to put forward the recommendations of the students and teachers for the eradication of the problems and challenges to English language learning and teaching in Madrassas. The population of the research study consist of all Madrassas and all male students and teachers in Urban Madrassas in District Mardan. The researchers use convenient sample for the selection of Madrassas. Selection of students is based on thirty percent proportionate sample; while teachers are selected on the basis of hundred percent proportionate samples accordingly. Two separate questionnaires are the instrument for data collection. The questionnaires comprised on both closed and open ended items. The collected data were analyzed using percentage and thematic analysis. Findings of the study revealed that there are no proper facilities for the teaching of English language. The results of this research study may be helpful for the policy makers to emphasize more on the importance of English language learning in Madrassas across Pakistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in particular.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 259-264
Author(s):  
Arzu Ekoç

Mobile language learning applications have changed how language is learned and have opened new windows for potential learners. At the convenience of our time, place, comfort and pace, we can learn or revise a language through our mobile gadgets. From the reviewed literature, it is evident that more data is needed to understand the users’ views about mobile applications. Instead of focusing on a single mobile application, the researcher attempted to elicit the general perceptions of Turkish adult learners about mobile language learning apps. In line with this thought, a selfadministered questionnaire was sent to potential mobile app users and 231 participants replied to the questionnaire. The aim of this study is to find out what perceptions adult learners in Turkey have and what their suggestions are to enhance future mobile language learning applications. For the close-ended questions, frequencies and percentages were taken, while for the open-ended question, content analysis was done. Easy access was considered as the greatest strength, while internet connection requirements and scarcity of interactivity were considered among the shortcomings. The participants offered some suggestions which can yield new paths for application developers, teachers and practitioners in the field of English language teaching and adult learning.


Author(s):  
Rana Muhammad Basharat Saeed

Purpose: The study aimed to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the English language used in social media and its impact on English language learners at the undergraduate level in Sargodha. Approach/Methodology/Design: Five private colleges in Sargodha were selected through convenient sampling. A total of 82 learners participated in the study and the individual perception of each learner was recorded using a questionnaire as a data collection tool. Due to the nature of the study tool, descriptive and inferential statistical design was adopted to analyze the collected data using SPSS, version 20.0. The reliability of the questionnaire was substantiated using reliability statistics (Cronbach’s alpha). Findings:  The results indicated that social media plays a vital role in advancing the language learnability of English language learners. It proved instrumental in enhancing vocabulary and improving the overall reading, writing, listening and speaking skills of the learners. It was also found that the overwhelming use of shortened forms, slang, and incorrect sentences on social media adversely affects the academic writings of the learners. However, the overall perception of the learners signified that social media positively impacts the learnability of the English language learners. Moreover, though practicing social media is imperative in learning the English language, the use of informal English language may prove a future risk to Standard English. Practical Implication: This research contributes to understanding the role of social media in language learning. The findings of the study present practical implications for teachers as well as learners to direct the teaching/learning process in a better way, adopting appropriate ways of writing English on social media. Originality/value: This study is different from other similar existing studies as it focuses the perception of the learners towards English language learning through social media in the Pakistani context, and empirically examines the impact of the English language used in social media on English language learners at undergraduate Level in Sargodha. 


2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadia Salsabila

Language is a medium that is used to convey information both orally or in writing from one individual to another individual. In Indonesia we use Indonesian as a national language and unifying language of our nation. However, over time, Indonesian language began to experience a shift in its use and was replaced by English. Language learning can also be obtained through social media namely Instagram. The main purpose of this article is to identify the role of social media Instagram as a strategy to maintain the existence of Indonesian language. The type of this research is descriptive qualitative approach from the account @bahasbahasa_. Based on the research, the data taken from the account @ bahasbahasa_ turns out that Instagram plays a role in improving the existence of Indonesian language. This is evident from some of his submissions which show how the Indonesian language is used properly and correctly. Data is classified based on the type of content sent by the account, namely the use of punctuation, standard words, and affixes. With the existence of this article, the researcher hopes that readers can find out the role of the Instagram in maintaining the existence of the language and using the best instagram for learning.


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