The Impact of Wikis and Discussion Boards on Learning English as a Second Language. A Mixed Methods Research
Date
2017-12-01
Authors
Sánchez-Gómez, M. C.
Pinto-Llorente, A. B.
García-Peñalvo, F. J.
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Journal ISSN
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Abstract
In the field of teaching a second language (L2), technology has always occupied a relevant
position. The development of new technological tools has allowed the convergence of two
learning environments, traditional face-to-face learning and virtual learning. This
convergence has fostered the advantages of both types of instructions and the possibilities
to learn a L2. In this study, researchers tried to explore pre-service teachers’ perspectives
towards the use of wikis and discussion boards to improve writing skills in English and
promote autonomous and collaborative learning in a B-learning environment. 358 preservice
teachers participated in the study in which a mixed methods research approach was
adopted to integrate results and have a broader vision of the phenomenon. The results
suggested pre-service teachers’ positive perception of the e-activities developed to improve
the quality of their English, feeling more confidence in that language. They highlighted the
opportunities afforded by wikis to create collective texts based on their agreements and
individual contributions that promoted individual and cooperative learning, and by
discussion boards to communicate, solve problems, get consensus or support a dynamic
process. The fact of using a mixed methods research approach enhanced the validity and
reliability of data, and added rigor to the study
Description
Keywords
B-learning environment, Mixed Methods Research, Discussion Boards, Wiki-Based Tasks English as L2
Citation
Sánchez-Gómez, M. C., Pinto-Llorente, A. M., & García-Peñalvo, F. J. (2017). The Impact of Wikis and Discussion Boards on Learning English as a Second Language. A Mixed Methods Research. Digital Education Review, 32, 35-59