Arab Educational Information Network

This case study addressed the problem of the lack of the systematic use of Web 2.0 in EFL/ESL language learning classes. The study tackled this Problem through exploring the impact of establishing a class blog as a learning tool for the English classes of G 11 students in a Lebanese francophone school. It was hypothesized that the class blog: 1) motivated learners to use their language. 2) Enhanced their critical thinking. 3) Helped them improve their language skills. Three instruments were used to collect data: document analysis, interviews, and observations. The findings were found to support the three hypotheses. The study concluded that a class blog, if organized efficiently, could be a highly productive language learning tool and, consequently, recommended that, on the educational philosophy, schools do serious research in the field of exploiting Web 2.0 applications, like blogging, in the different areas of education, especially language learning. Moreover, schools were advised to implement training programs to breed professionalism in the field. On the practical level, schools were recommended to reconsider the language syllabi as to incorporate Web 2.0 applications, especially blogging, in them and then setting practical plans to integrate blogs as learning tools in the learning process. (Author's abstract)