Use of Weblogs by Non-native EL students: A case study in the UAE

Abstract

The use of technology in teaching and learning has created new avenues for ideas and information to be shared among teachers and students. Ideas and information can be shared beyond the confines of the traditional classroom and through both asynchronous and synchronous means, such as through weblogs and instant messaging respectively. This paper presents a case study involving the use of weblogs among EL students in the UAE. Seven EL students took a Fall semester course on technology and the teaching of EL. Students met the instructor only once a week. Weblogs were used as both a class discussion platform and as an individual project for students to express their opinions on topics that interested them, related to the course. Although new to weblogs, students reacted positively to using them and expressed eagerness to continue using them in other ways.