scholarly journals Social Media Tools for Informal Language Learning: A Comprehensive Theoretical Framework

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 46
Author(s):  
Che Wan Ida Rahimah Bt. Che Wan Ibrahim

This article offers a conceptual framework for social media applications that provides efficient support for a daily informal language learning experience. It proposes the multiple lenses of sociocultural theories as conceptual and interpretive tools, to capture the complexity and the fine-grained types of activities of these learner-users’ sociocultural experiences in informal English as a Second Language learning via social media at residential college of Malaysian universities. These theories focus not only on the development of individual language learner’s cognitive development but also on the overall development of learners. The proposed framework provides forward technology support for the successful design of the future language informal learning.

Author(s):  
Kijpokin Kasemsap

This chapter reveals the overview of Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) in foreign language learning; the overview of mobile technology in foreign language learning; the overview of Mobile-Assisted Language Learning (MALL); the overview of web-based language learning; Facebook applications in global education; social media applications in foreign language learning; and the significance of social media in foreign language learning. Through CALL, MALL, and social media applications, teachers and language learners can go online to read or listen to the learning material about different areas of interest, and can write or speak about what they have discovered, telling others in the foreign language class or other classes elsewhere in the world. Technology tools enable teachers to differentiate instruction and adapt classroom activities, thus enhancing the foreign language learning experience in global education.


2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arab World English Journal ◽  
Abdulrahman M. Alshabeb ◽  
Riam K. Almaqrn

This research addresses the gaps in the literature on m-learning approaches in Saudi Arabia, with a focus on English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students studying at university level. The research aimed to explore university students’ use of social media applications and their role in language learning, with a focus on how mobile devices can best be utilised. It analysed the attitudes of 102 learners towards the use of social media to improve language learning both inside and outside the classroom setting. Students of both genders completed a questionnaire, and five students engaged in semi-structured interviews. The aim was to discover whether the students are currently using social media applications to enhance their language skills, and what the students’ attitudes are towards the use of social media via mobile devices inside and outside the classroom. Prior to designing the research instruments, the literature was reviewed, including examining the attitudes of learners in different countries towards mobile technologies, and to decide on the best approach to take in examining attitudes towards new forms of learning. Based on the findings from the literature, appropriate questions were devised, and these reveal an overall positive response towards from the student participants towards using social media and mobile technologies to facilitate learning English. The results of this research are positive, and it is important that Saudi Arabia keeps up to date with advancements in technology to ensure the best learning experience for learners and maximise their potential.


2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (13) ◽  
pp. 870-877
Author(s):  
Calvin Moorley ◽  
Theresa Chinn

Background: In 2016 the Nursing and Midwifery Council in the UK introduced revalidation, which is the process nurses are required to follow to renew their registration. This provides an opportunity for nurses to shape, develop and evolve social media to meet their professional requirements. Aims: to examine different ways nurses can use social media tools for continuous professional development (CPD) and revalidation. Methods: using a qualitative reflective design, data were gathered from content on the @WeNurses platform and activities organised with other leading health organisations in England. These data were analysed using the social media relationship triangle developed by the authors with a thematic analysis approach. Findings: analysis revealed that social media was used in six categories: publishing, sharing, messaging, discussing, collaborating, and networking. Organised social media events such as: blogs, tweetchats, Twitter storms, webinars, infographics, podcasts, videos and virtual book clubs can support nurses with revalidation and professional development. Conclusion: Through using a participatory CPD approach and embracing professional social media applications nurses have moved social media from the concept of a revolution to an evolution.


Author(s):  
Vickel Narayan ◽  
Jan Herrington ◽  
Thom Cochrane

Mobile and social media over the last decade has created significant shifts in society: how we communicate and collaborate, and in learning and teaching. This paper discusses a study that investigated how mobile social media tools and affordances could be harnessed to facilitate a student-determined learning experience (heutagogy). A design-based research (DBR) approach was utilised to analyse and investigate a set of draft design principles that was established in collaboration with a group of teachers and literature. The draft design principles guided the design of a first year course that was iteratively implemented and evaluated over 2 years with two different cohorts of students. As a key outcome of the DBR, a set of refined design principles is presented. These principles are capable of guiding other practitioners in designing and facilitating student-determined learning in authentic contexts using mobile devices, and social media affordances.


XLinguae ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 64-80
Author(s):  
Monica Ortiz Cobo ◽  
Roman Kralik ◽  
Rosella Bianco

This study analyses the factors that influence the second language learning motivation of refugees in Italy. To do so, we have conducted an ethnography by making interviews and questionnaires to adult refugee students of the Italian language. The analysis of the data highlights that the peculiar migration experience of this type of students results in specific language learning motivation factors. Starting by the existing paradigm, we discuss the refugee second language (L2) learning motivation as composed by the following dimensions: Ideal L2 Self, Ought-to L2 Self, Social Distance, Learning Experience, Self-confidence, and Anxiety and Multilingual Self.


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.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizelle Juanee Cilliers

Limited research has considered social learning tools and preferences of the Generation Z learner from a higher educational perspective. This research is based on the educational theories of constructivism and social learning, in attempt to reflect on social learning tools employed in a third year Urban and Regional Planning module at the North-West University (South Africa). The empirical investigation was based on the reflections from Generation Z learners who were introduced to a range of social media tools. The paper aimed to investigate if social learning tools can positively impact the learner experience in the contemporary classroom based on longitudinal data. It identified the preferences of the Generation Z learners in terms of social media tools, and the trends thereof, during a 10-year period (2011–2020). Finally, the paper drew on the perspective of the educator, in reflecting on the challenges, but also scope, to include social learning tools as part of higher education teaching-learning.


2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 70-90 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mireilla Bikanga Ada ◽  
Mark Stansfield ◽  
Gavin Baxter

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate an area of growing importance that is widely recognised in the literature relating to the issue of how to improve ways that assessments and feedback are provided to students within higher education. This paper reports on a study that aimed to explore the views of both educators (n=70) and students (n=540) on feedback and feed-forward at a UK university. The study also investigated their experience and attitudes to social media applications as a means of enhancing access to feedback within the context of mobile learning. Design/methodology/approach The research approach adopted in this study predominately conforms to a quantitative research design though embeds elements of qualitative research via a “mixed methods” approach. The overall methodology of the paper adheres to an exploratory case study in a higher education environment to identify various issues and approaches that could be addressed or enhanced to aid ways that assessments and feedback are disseminated to students within higher education. Findings Participants’ views were sought in relation to students receiving learning materials, as well as feedback from tutors directly to their smartphones and mobile devices. In addition, the study explored possible reasons for students not wanting to use social media and mobile devices for their learning and feedback. Overall, the results indicated a positive attitude on the part of educators and students to using mobile devices and social media applications for teaching and learning purposes. Research limitations/implications The case study presented in this paper draws on findings from one higher educational institution. Further research is required to determine the generalisability of the findings to allow comparison of the findings to be undertaken within other higher education institutions. Originality/value The originality of the paper is that it provides detailed empirical evidence and findings that provide several important implications in relation to enhancing the student learning experience and providing considerable improvements to the way that feedback is provided that make it more likely that students will take more notice to feedback and act upon it. This in turn enables educators to better plan and manage their teaching and student experience online and through students’ mobile devices. The value of this study is that it explores views of both educators and students, whereas many other previous studies tend to focus on the views of either educators or students.


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