Instagram Use to Enhance Ability in Writing Descriptive Texts

Abstract

Abstract:Technology is changing the world we live in. It affects the way people see, think, and learn their environment and communicate with others. In the educational field, there have been previous studies revealing the positive attitudes toward the use of mobile devices and applications. However, the empirical studies of the practice of how to use a specific mobile device and application effectively are done in a limited scale. Taking the experimental research method, this study investigated the effectiveness of the use of Instagram application on the students' performance in writing descriptive texts. The main research question was centred around whether there was significant difference in the ability of writing descriptive text between students who were taught using Instagram and those who aren't. Involving random sampling technique, this study involved 50 students of a private high school in Yogyakarta as the research sample. The empirical data were collected through pre and post tests. The data were analyzed quantitatively applying t-test computation and descriptive analysis. Results of the study indicate that there is significant difference in students writing score between those taught using Instagram and those who aren't. In conclusion, teaching students writing by using Instagram pictures are more effective than teaching without using Instagram pictures. In other words, the use of Instagram is effective in teaching writing descriptive texts.

Picture Word Inductive Model for Better Descriptive Text Writing

“…They could create a better writing than before including in constructing the present sentences by using simple present tense. This finding was supported by the research conducted by the opinions above are supported by Shaman (2014), PWIM helps students learn to read and write, by activating the student scheme, it also helps develop vocabulary knowledge, and spelling for learning English (Soviyah & Etikaningsih, 2018). They could write a text with more detailed information based on the picture and used correct capitalization, spelling, and punctuations; they produced longer paragraph with sufficient supporting details.…”

“…Spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and organization come together and grow together to help the student demonstrate more advanced writing skills each year (Soviyah & Etikaningsih, 2018). The written form can be done using written text such as sending message, email, or text.…”

The Role of Social Network Sites in Developing English Language Skills: Students’ Voices

“…Another study conducted by Soviyah, and D.R. Etikaningsih [10] investigated the use of Instagram to improve students' writing skills among high school students in Yogyakarta. Using quantitative approach, fifty students took part in this study.…”

“…Another one is Soviyah, and D.R. Etikaningsih [10] investigation on the use of Instagram to improve students' writing skills among high school students in Yogyakarta. Both studies confirmed that social media could positively develop learners' English skills.…”

The Use of Instagram to Increase Students’ Motivation and Students’ Competence in Learning English

“…According to Instagram privacy settings, it allows people to freely choose who are able to see, like, or comment to their updates, whether they are open to public or only to their followers (Hu et al, 2017). In addition, Instagram is not only for sharing photos and videos, but also to create a community in any field, where the people involved may widen their networking as well as exchanging ideas, knowledge, or information (Soviyah & Etikaningsih, 2018). Due to these distinctive characteristics, Instagram has been used for teaching general English to Arab learners since 2015 and followed by more than 48 thousands students (AlGhamdi, 2018).…”