Online Social Media Applications for Language Teaching
& Learning
Classroom learning is not the one and only of learning
process nowadays. There are so many ways to conduct a teaching and learning
process. One of them is through online class. Via online class, students and
teachers do not have to hold a face-to-face activity. The online class can be
held using some media socials such as, Edmodo, blogger, Google forms, etc. The using of social media also can
be a variation in learning process. So, the students can get new experience
through this learning model.
Here, I would like to review some applications or webs
which are useful for online class suggested by Mr. Hartono. In this paragraph,
I would like to write about Edmodo. Edmodo is like Facebook, yet it
is purposed for education. In the Edmodo, we can post a note which is similiar
to status in Facebook. Then we can also upload photos or share
links. If we join an Edmodo class, we will be able to do online communication
with the teachers. Moreover, teachers also can give assignment, materials, even
score for our assignment.
Beside those advantages, Edmodo also has some
disadvantages. One of them is Edmodo is a large data consuming web. So, it
takes time to load the page sometimes. The next is Edmodo cannot be opened on
all mobile phone web browsers. A phone with old web browser may cannot opened
this web. So, it is hard for a student who has to submit the assignment
immediately but he/she does not have supported gadget for it. As the
consequence, students' assignment may not be submitted or when they able to
submit it, they may have passed the deadline.
The second is Google form. This Google's product allows us to make
and share a form. The form can be a questionnaire, registration, or exercise
form for students. The plus value from this product is can be accessed from
almost all browser, either phone or PC. Students only need to open the given
link and do the test which is sent through the form. When they already finished
it, they just need to click send back and their test has already sent to the
teacher. This application is very suitable for teachers who cannot come to
class for giving test. So, it is very efficient and effective.
The disadvantage of this application is only provides
the written assignment or written form test only. We cannot hold a speaking
test because it is too difficult to be handled. Teacher needs to record the
test direction and the test item. Then students need to listen and record their
voice first. After that they have to attach their file. It because Google Form
does not has record voice feature. So, teachers cannot organize a direct
speaking test here.
The other online facility is blog. Through blog, teachers
are able to give materials to students. Teachers also can create forum in the
blog. By posting something to start a discussion and then students join the
discussion by commenting on the post. We can share anything through blog such
as text, picture, audio, video even a poll. One of the most popular blog which
is purposed for education is Edublogs. Edublogs is a blog which is focused on
education purpose. It is created for build an interaction through online class.
Edublogs allow their user to create a private blog and make a discussion forum.
However, some requirements are needed to organize online class through this
blog. First, we need a PC or at least Smartphone. Second is good internet
connection. When there is no internet or gadget to access the blog, the class
cannot be done. In addition, students also have to know how to use this blog.
So, we have to make sure all of the students can meet the requirements needed
before we start using this facility.
The last but not least the online social media that
can we use in teaching and learning process is Facebook. Facebook is social
media with the largest user in the world. Facebook is also
very useful for creating online class. It is
because Facebook is very
accessible. If we compare to Edmodo and Edublog, Facebook is easier to catch. We
can make a Facebook group for sharing materials and assignments.
We also can share a video in Facebook. Therefore, we also create a poll here.
Facebook is similar to a blog right now. So, it is very helpful in spreading
lesson materials.
Facebook is very helpful and useful, yet it also has
some weaknesses. One of them is privacy. When we upload an assignment in the
group, all of members in the group will know. Then it will open a chance to do
a plagiarism. The other is teachers cannot directly give score to the students
like in Edmodo. So, we have to consider first before use it.
In my
conclusion, social media is very beneficial as an addition activity for
students. It can create a new environment and also give new experience in
learning process for students. It also makes up the deficiency which is happened when teachers
cannot attend the class. I enjoy online class sometimes. The reason is I do not
have to come to class or teacher’s room to submit my assignment. I just need to
send it through email or post it on my blog or my teacher’s blog. Nevertheless,
the using of online class through social media only can be used in place with
good internet connection. This online class cannot be applied
to remote area or school who still lack of facilities. As a result, the
implementation of online class is still limited, especially in Indonesia.
picture taken from: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/content/images/articles/288/288146/social-media-image.jpg
