Abstract:

The spreading of social networks, beyond any doubt, has an impact on the educational community. Edmodo platform is an important representative and helper of trainers and trainees over the last decade in the digital world. The millions of platform users show the dimension of networking through which the participants communicate and work in a digital environment. The aim of the present study is to present the results of a quasi-experimental plan on writing skills in distance foreign language education with mixed videoconference and the Edmodo platform. More specifically, the aim was whether a distance learning programme, in particular the production of textbooks in adult foreign language students, could be developed through the Edmodo platform and teleconferencing to successfully complete the written work in order to achieve a specific level, as defined in the language certificate in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Two groups of 15 adult students with two different linguistic levels, with the first being a test and the second experimental, attended ten 45-minute courses via teleconferencing, while the second was further supported through Edmodo. Subsequently, they were asked to produce a written text in a foreign language with a common topic according to their level. Their written assignments were individually graded in terms of vocabulary, grammatical structure and syntax as well as pragmatic proficiency. Finally, the experimental group was asked through a questionnaire, to state whether it considered to have been improved by using the Edmodo platform. Due to restrictions on experimental usage, it was not possible to draw any safe conclusions, but a positive attitude and opinion of the students towards teleconference teaching and use of the Edmodo platform was apparent from the percentages. For the majority of distance learners, the use of the learning platform was an innovation, but they collaborated and exchanged views as the medium is characterised by its social orientation and character. The distance class seems to reduce the teacher's lack of physical contact with the learners when the latter have the opportunity to communicate in all directions.

Keywords:

Writing skills, Edmodo, distance learning, foreign language education.