Skip to main content

Students’ Perceptions and Attitudes Towards Using Blogs as a Supplementary Learning Tool to Enhance Writing Skills at a Private University in Dubai

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
English Language and General Studies Education in the United Arab Emirates

Part of the book series: English Language Teaching: Theory, Research and Pedagogy ((ELTTRP))

Abstract

Writing is one of the English language skills that is crucial for university students’ academic success. However, it can be very challenging for second language learners to master this skill, and English language instructors often face challenges when trying to motivate students to write using the target language. The modernization of education has introduced Web 2.0 technologies that can assist in the teaching and learning process, and they include social networking sites, media sharing tools, and collaborative editing tools such as blogs. Blogs can easily be integrated into writing courses to make this particular skill more interesting for students. The following study aims to explore and investigate students’ perceptions and attitudes towards using blogs as a supplementary learning tool to enhance writing at a private university in Dubai, UAE. The findings of this study have proven to show positive attitudes towards this learning tool that was used to improve students’ writing skills in an English Communication Skills course.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 119.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 159.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 159.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Abu Bakar, N., Latif, H., & Ya’acoub, A. (2017). Fusion of technology with language learning: Blog community. The Southeast Journal of English Language Studies, 23(4), 200–211.

    Google Scholar 

  • Alexander, B. (2006). Web 2.0: A new wave of innovation for teaching and learning? Educause Review, 41(2), 32–44.

    Google Scholar 

  • Assalahi, H. (2015). The philosophical foundations of educational research: A beginner’s guide. American Journal of Educational Research, 3(3), 312–317. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org.

  • Aljumah, F. H. (2012). Saudi learner perceptions and attitudes towards the use of blogs in teaching English writing course for EFL majors at Qassim University. English Language Teaching, 5(1), 100–116.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cohen, L., Manion, L. & Morrison, K. (2011). Research methods in education (7th edn). Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Engin, M. (2014). Extending the flipped classroom model: Developing second language writing skills through student-created digital videos. Journal of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, 14(5), 12–26.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Garcia, E., Moizer, J., Wilkins, S., & Haddoud, M. Y. (2019). Student learning in higher education through blogging in the classroom. Computers and Education, 136, 61–74.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gasaymeh, A. M., & Jwaifell, O. (2013). A study of Jordanian graduate students’ attitudes toward and use of weblog in a blended learning course. Journal of Information Technology and Application in Education, 2, 67–79.

    Google Scholar 

  • Golafshani, N. (2003). Understanding reliability and validity in qualitative research. The Qualitative Report, 8(4), 597–606.

    Google Scholar 

  • Grix, J. (2004). The foundations of research. Palgrave Macmillan.

    Google Scholar 

  • Heo, G. M., & Lee, R. (2011). Blogs and social network sites as activity systems: Exploring adult informal learning process through activity theory framework. Educational Technology & Society, 16(4), 133–145.

    Google Scholar 

  • Isakovic, A. A., & McNaught, A. (2013). Supporting learning through the use of self-reflection blogs: A study of the experience of blended learning students in the United Arab Emirates. Open Praxis, 5(4), 355–363.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Koban Koç, D., & Koç, S. E. (2016). Students’ perceptions of blog use in an undergraduate linguistics course. Journal of Language and Linguistic Studies, 12(1), 9–19.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kuimova, M. V., & Zvekov, O. D. (2016). Blogs as a means to enhance writing skills in EFL classes. International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning, 11(4), 157–160.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li, K., Bado, N., Smith, J., & Moore, D. (2013). Blogging for teaching and learning: An examination of experience, attitudes, and levels of thinking. Contemporary Educational Technology, 4(3), 172–186.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Luo, T. & Franklin, T. (2015). Tweeting and blogging: moving towards education 2.0. International Journal on E-Learning, 14(2), 235–258.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mackenzie, N., & Knipe, S. (2006). Research dilemmas: Paradigms, methods and methodology. Issues in Educational Research, 16, 4–14.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mitchell, R., Myles, F., & Marsden, E. (2013). Second language learning theories. Routledge.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Park, Y., Heo, G. M., & Lee, R. (2011). Blogging for informal learning: Analysing bloggers’ perceptions using learning perspective. Educational Technology & Society, 14(2), 149–160.

    Google Scholar 

  • Punch, K. F. (2009). Introduction to research methods in education. Sage Publications.

    Google Scholar 

  • Scheidt, L. A. (2009). Diary weblogs as genre (Doctoral dissertation). Indiana University Bloomington.

    Google Scholar 

  • Top, E. (2012). Blogging as a social medium in undergraduate courses: Sense of community best predictor of perceived learning. Internet and Higher Education, 15, 24–28.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Troudi, S. (2010). Paradigmatic nature and theoretical framework in educational research. Inspiring Academic Practice, 1(2). Retrieved from http://education.exeter.ac.uk.

  • Warschauer, M. (2010). Invited commentary: New tools for teaching writing. Language Learning & Technology, 14(1).

    Google Scholar 

  • William, J. B., & Jacobs, J. (2004). Exploring the use of blogs as learning spaces in the higher education sector. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, 20(2), 232–247.

    Google Scholar 

  • Witte, S. (2007). That's online writing, not boring school writing: Writing with blogs and the talkback project. Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, 51(2).

    Google Scholar 

  • Yih, M. B., & Nah, E. A. (2009). Writing web logs in the ESL classroom: A study of student perceptions and the technology acceptance model 47. Asian Journal of University Education, 5(1).

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jessica Saba .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2022 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Saba, J. (2022). Students’ Perceptions and Attitudes Towards Using Blogs as a Supplementary Learning Tool to Enhance Writing Skills at a Private University in Dubai. In: Coombe, C., Hiasat, L., Daleure, G. (eds) English Language and General Studies Education in the United Arab Emirates. English Language Teaching: Theory, Research and Pedagogy. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-8888-1_11

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics