Samira M. Bakr, PhD Academic visitor Reading University, UK 22/02/2011 1 E-Learning Conference Samira Bakr

Introduction about weblog, Social constructivism in language learning Using blogs in EFL classes Types of blogs in classroom, Using computers in Saudi context Advantages and disadvantages of using blogs Conclusion 22/02/2011 2 E-Learning Conference Samira Bakr

The Internet provides a powerful delivery system for teaching and learning. With improvements in web-based applications and information technology come new opportunities and challenges for educators to design, develop, and deliver effective instruction 22/02/2011 3 E-Learning Conference Samira Bakr

As teachers and educators, it is important to know how to apply new and emerge educational practices and technologies. The English language classroom has always been associated with competencies, grammar, tasks, exercises, and 22/02/2011 4 E-Learning Conference Samira Bakr

drill activities that position teaching and learning a language as an educational activity that is separated from society. Allum found that, as a result, students were found to be unmotivated and uninterested in learning the language (2002). 22/02/2011 5 E-Learning Conference Samira Bakr

New paradigms in language teaching and learning are needed to encourage students to acquire and improve their second language or foreign language proficiency in a social context (Vygotsky, 1978),. 22/02/2011 6 E-Learning Conference Samira Bakr

Using a technology known as Blended Learning. The term technology refers to the Internet, CD-ROMs and interactive whiteboards and computer-based communication (including chat, email, blogs and wikis) to enrich teaching and learning. 22/02/2011 7 E-Learning Conference Samira Bakr

Blood (2002) differentiates between two types of blogs. The first type is that of journals, which function as an electronic diary in which bloggers can express their ideas that students writing skills improve when they blog. 22/02/2011 8 E-Learning Conference Samira Bakr

provides opportunities to help students improve their knowledge of English. lets students compose writing with specific purposes. Blogs, weblogs are a new way for people to express their thoughts in public. blogs help people become more thoughtful and critical in their thoughts, ideas, and opinions 22/02/2011 9 E-Learning Conference Samira Bakr

The second type is the filter-style blog, where bloggers post links to other web content with associated commentary. Blogs are best described as web sites that are updated frequently and let bloggers and readers to communicate with each other by leaving comments and suggestions on the content of the blogs. 22/02/2011 10 E-Learning Conference Samira Bakr

Using Weblog supports a social constructivist approach from the social constructivists perspective, knowledge is the process by which students construct meaning from past experiences in a social context. 22/02/2011 11 E-Learning Conference Samira Bakr

This encourages students to use language and new knowledge in different situations, Students use language to express themselves, to explain, to negotiate, and to compromise with peers while discussing ideas. 22/02/2011 12 E-Learning Conference Samira Bakr

Using blogs, especially group blogging, as a writing activity in the English classroom can create a learning environment that encourages students to work collaboratively in a social context Miers (2004 in Seitzinger, 2006) says: Constructivist learning should engage students in meaningful learning where the learning should be: 22/02/2011 13 E-Learning Conference Samira Bakr

Constructive and reflective, enabling students to integrate new ideas with prior knowledge to make meaning and enable learning through reflection Intentional, providing opportunities for students to articulate their learning goals and monitor their progress in achieving them 22/02/2011 14 E-Learning Conference Samira Bakr

Authentic, challenging and real- world (or simulated), facilitating better understanding and transfer of learning to new situations Cooperative, providing students with opportunities to interact with each other to clarify, share ideas, negotiate problems and discuss solutions. 22/02/2011 15 E-Learning Conference Samira Bakr

Blogs in the Language Classroom Blogs can be used as a tool and a platform for students to: be creative publish their writing online. replace or become an alternative to traditional journal writing 22/02/2011 16 E-Learning Conference Samira Bakr

Educators use blogs in three different ways and with different purposes. tutor blogs, learner blogs and class blogs 22/02/2011 17 E-Learning Conference Samira Bakr

This is run by the tutor for the learners. It gives daily Reading practice to the learners which is linked to related online sources. It promotes exploration of English websites. It encourages online verbal exchange by use of comment buttons 22/02/2011 18 E-Learning Conference Samira Bakr

It is run by individual learners or by collaborative groups of learners. students can get writing practice, develop a sense of ownership, and get experience with the practical, legal, and ethical issues of creating a hypertext document. 22/02/2011 19 E-Learning Conference Samira Bakr

Collaborative effort of an entire class. It could be used like a free-form bulletin board for learners to post messages, images, and links related to classroom discussion topics. With intermediate and advanced learners, class blogs facilitate project- based language learning. 22/02/2011 20 E-Learning Conference Samira Bakr

It could also be used as a virtual space for an international classroom language exchange. 22/02/2011 21 E-Learning Conference Samira Bakr

using blogs as a writing tool: encourages feedback and represents both writing and reading activity; stimulates debate, critical analysis, and encourages articulation of ideas and opinions Godwin-Jones(2006) 22/02/2011 22 E-Learning Conference Samira Bakr

Blogs : increase interactivity, reflective activities, give opportunity to practice language skills. are authentic, interesting, and communicative resources. 22/02/2011 23 E-Learning Conference Samira Bakr

AbuSeileek study ( 2007) proved the effectiveness of two computer- mediated techniques Al-Jarf (2005) used Nicenet, WebCT and Model to teach grammar to freshman students at the College of Languages and Translation, King Saud University. 22/02/2011 24 E-Learning Conference Samira Bakr

A cross-cultural online writing project, conducted by Al-Jafr (2004). EFL college instructors and students in Ukraine, Russia and Saudi Arabia and participated to develop students' writing skills. 22/02/2011 25 E-Learning Conference Samira Bakr

Weblog authors are not usually professional writers, weblog readers are not generally professional readers either( Wrede 2003) Weblogs have the potential to be hacked, accidentally deleted or suddenly out of service when most needed. 22/02/2011 26 E-Learning Conference Samira Bakr

The weblog is a new arrival as an educational technology, which is a mixed blessing has more advanced and convenient unique features and functions in comparison with other tools, 22/02/2011 27 E-Learning Conference Samira Bakr

Is drawing more and more attention from EFL educators 22/02/2011 28 E-Learning Conference Samira Bakr

[email protected] 22/02/2011 29 E-Learning Conference Samira Bakr

Documents

Samira M. Bakr, PhD Academic visitor Reading University, UK 22/02/2011 1 E-Learning Conference Samira Bakr