The Role of Web2.0 and Social Media Tools in Foreign Language Learning

ABSTRACT

Learning a language in an effective way has always been considered one of the most important subjects of educational sciences. Lots of theories and assumptions have been put forward and issues have been criticized. Among all these arguments, motivating the learner and help them to improve their self-autonomy can be considered as the most vital point. In 2020, learners changed their view of the world as well as their way of learning. To be able to catch them, language teachers have numerous options to utilize in our classrooms. At this point; Web2.0 tools and SNSs (Social Networking Sites) are considered vital. Utilizing our teaching styles into MALL (Mobile Assisted Language Learning) may help us to raise learners’ awareness. Designing the lessons around Web2.0 tools and SNSs motivate students to engage in collaborative learning. To test the effect of using Web2.0 tools and SNSs on the language learning process 107 high school students were chosen for the current study. The participants were already aware of using Web2.0 and SNSs tools and they had been practicing this process since September 2019. The questionnaire was applied to participants in June to collect their ideas about Web 2.0 and social media tools on foreign language education. After the test, an online interview was organized to record their authentic and sincere feelings towards the usage of those tools in foreign language education. Collected data were calculated with SPSS to be able to observe some important variables. According to the findings, it is obvious that the majority of students prefer and enjoy using Web 2.0 and social media tools in their learning process and their motivation increases naturally as they use it frequently.