Using Weblogs in Teaching Writing Skills in BUC EFL Classrooms: A Case Study

摘要

This study explores the extent to which integrating Weblogs in teaching affect freshman students' writing performance at Buraimi University College in Oman (BUC, hereafter). Moreover, this study intends to investigate the impact of using Weblogs on teaching the writing skills. The approach of this study is based on a combination of quantitative and qualitative. Therefore, sixty Omani EFL female students at the Foundation Level who are planning to major in English Literature are divided into two groups: Ex. G. 30 and Cont. G. 30. Besides, 30 EFL teachers (15 males and 15 females) were selected randomly to participate in this study. Pre and posttests were assigned to both groups before and after the application of using weblog. Moreover, a questionnaire was administered to the treatment group and interviews were conducted with teachers and students in EX. G to examine their attitude towards the new technique. The students in EX. G were engaged in using weblog following process approach. The findings of statistical analysis reveal that incorporating Weblog in EFL/ESL writing classrooms can increase students' motivation, cooperation, confidence and creativity. Also, it finds out that students in EX. G outperform students' writing achievement in Con. G and both teachers and students show positive attitude towards posting writing in Weblogs. Except for lack of permanent connection to the internet; using technology in the classroom will bring successful learning outcomes.