Microblogging for Language Learning: Using Twitter to Train Communicative and Cultural Competence

Abstract

Abstract. Our work analyzes the usefulness of microblogging in second language learning using the example of the social network Twitter. Most learners of English do not require even more passive input in form of texts, lectures or videos, etc. This input is readily available in numerous forms on the Internet. What learners of English need is the chance to actively produce language and the chance to use English as tool of communication. This calls for instructional methods and tools promoting 'active' learning that present opportunities for students to express themselves and interact in the target language. In this paper we describe how we used Twitter with students of English at the Distant College of Shanghai Jiao Tong University. We analyze the students' messages and show how the usage of Twitter trained communicative and cultural competence.

A Social Network Analysis Perspective on Student Interaction within the Twitter Microblogging Environment

“…This paper extends the earlier conducted study [1] that analysed the benefits of using Twitter for second language learning. The rationale for this research is to identify interaction patterns that can inform educational designers, practitioners and technologists.…”

“…Analysing student interaction this study attempts to address the following questions: [1] What are the prevalent interaction patterns, measures of community development and measures of interaction dynamics within the studied environment? ; [2] Which network measures and trends are associated to participant scores?…”

“…Most recently, microblogging platforms acquired attention of educational practitioners and researchers [1]. The growing popularity and widening acceptance of the services compel educators to explore the possibilities of using the tools for educational purposes.…”

Who Students Interact With? A Social Network Analysis Perspective on the Use of Twitter in Language Learning

“…Hence, the use of SNA is considered beneficial for developing our understanding of online practices of teaching and learning [2]. This paper extends the earlier conducted study [3,4] that analysed the use of Twitter for second language learning. This study introduces the gender variable and attempts to identify its association to network measures of student interaction.…”

Academic use of custom social networks in translation training

“…Evidence suggests that the use of the written online communication motivates participants and improves the quality of learning products (Mazer et al, 2007;Zhao, Grasmuck, & Martin, 2008). Research into the academic use of SNs has focused on a range of areas including learner motivation and sense of community (Borau et al, 2009;Hewitt & Forte, 2006;Jin et al, 2009;Mazer et al, 2007).…”