DIGITAL LIBRARY
THE USE OF FACEBOOK TO DEVELOP SOCIAL WRITTEN INTERACTION AMONG FRESHMEN STUDENTS IN ENGLISH
Universidad Autónoma del Carmen (MEXICO)
About this paper:
Appears in: INTED2011 Proceedings
Publication year: 2011
Pages: 6178-6186
ISBN: 978-84-614-7423-3
ISSN: 2340-1079
Conference name: 5th International Technology, Education and Development Conference
Dates: 7-9 March, 2011
Location: Valencia, Spain
Abstract:
The use of facebook was introduced as a complementary strategy to the ones used in the English course taken by the students at the Foreign Language Bachelor Degree at the Facultad de Ciencias Educativas in the Universidad Autónoma del Carmen.
The main objective to introduce Facebook was to foster interaction in the target language since these students widely use this social network. The students provided personal information, reflections about the course topics, and comments about the information uploaded in the social network. In order to collect, register and analyse the information a survey and a checklist were used. The results, based on the evidences, showed students’ interest because they exchanged personal information, and responded to the tasks assigned; therefore, the study enhanced socialization in English among the students involved in this project. As sum, the use of Facebook motivates the students to practice their English through writing in a real context.
Keywords:
Facebook, social written communication, English.