ICT 3rd Assignment - Social Media in Language Teaching and Learning

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.



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