Arab World English Journal (AWEJ) Special Issue on CALL No.3 July 2016 Pp. 58-78
Weblog-Based Learning in an EFL Young Learners’ Context:
Students’ Perspective
Irma Savitri Sadikin
English Education Department
Post Graduate Program, Semarang State University
Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia
Mursid Saleh
English Education Department
Post Graduate Program, Semarang State University
Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia
:Abstract
There has been a deeper appreciation on using technology in English classroom. It is used to create an interesting learning process. Weblog-based learning in classroom is becoming imperative nowadays since the students themselves are growing within digital era. However, this study purposes that many educators are not taking advantage of this unique and fun learning tools for young learners. This study is designed to reveal: (1) the students’ background in using computer and internet to get useful information; (2) the students ‘perception of the use of classroom blog learning as a tool in learning English; (3) the students’ perception toward weblog activity; (4) students’ perception towards the benefits of the weblog as a means of problem solving for learning English. This research applied the descriptive method which attempted to describe the primary students’ response toward the use of weblog. Data obtained from 120 as a total sample of 5th grade students in an Islamic Bilingual School, West Java, Indonesia. Questionnaire and interview were used to collect the data. The findings of the present study indicated that most of the participant showed positive attitudes and willingness to integrate weblog-based learning in English classroom. This technique made them more engaged and excited to learn English. However, factors such as technical problem and bad internet connection on the use of internet could be possible impediments to the use of classroom blog.
Keywords: classroom blog, students’ perception, technology, young learners, weblog