Transforming Dialogue Journal Writing Into Pedagogy of Online Setting: A Preliminary Study

Abstract

Dialogue Journal Writing (DJW) has been implemented in the writing classroom for more than twenty-five years. Currently, however, research studies are not limited to DJW as a medium for communication but also on the role of DJW in developing language learners' writing proficiency. Interestingly, while technology has developed fast, the application of technology on DJW is a rare undertaking. Therefore, this study investigated the potentials of the transformation of Dialogue Journal Writing into Online dialogue Journal Writing (ODJW). More particularly, it focused on writing productivity and students' perception of ODJW efficacy. This study involved 22 EFL students who took Paragraph Writing course at a reputable university in East Java, Indonesia. They were involved in ODJW in five sessions which were conducted asynchronously by using a combination of WhatsApp and E-mail applications. The results of this preliminary study shows that ODJW was potential in terms of productivity in writing. In addition, the learners perceived that the implementation of ODJW was a beneficial activity and it makes the students happy.