Technology-Enhanced Language Learning and Teaching

Social Networking

Language learning through social networking sites (SNS) has attracted millions of users around the world. SNS are services that help learners create profiles and connect with others. Language learners can construct a language identity, build a relationship with the target culture or join a closed language-learning organization that use SNS to enhance communication and the exchange of knowledge among learners.

Nowadays, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc., are popular social networking sites for language learning. Researchers studied the use of Twitter as a language learning and teaching tool for improving pronunciation. The results showed that students’ pronunciation achieved positive progress and students also showed high participation in the learning process.

Another popular social networking application, but in the Chinese-speaking community is WeChat. WeChat can be a powerful tool for non-Chinese native speakers who wish to learn Chinese. Studies have demonstrated that WeChat was beneficial in enhancing CSL learners speaking skills, and revealed positive attitudes of students.

Although research on social networking showed positive effect towards language learning, some issues were also reported. For example, prolonged use of electronic devices to access SNS may cause health problems associated with vision. In addition, research showed that language learners’ attitudes towards social networking affected their learning practices. Therefore, it is important to instill a habit to use technology moderately. It is also critical to know how to make

technology appeal to learners for both socializing and learning. Besides, privacy and surveillance are also serious problems.