Authors:
Wahyu Kyestiati Sumarno
and
Ali Shodikin
Affiliation:
Universitas Islam Darul Ulum, Indonesia
Keyword(s):
Writing course, Edmodo, ICT, Classroom Action Research.
Abstract:
The utilization of technology in the language classroom is currently a common matter. Moreover, the achievements and the engagement of students are believed to be enhanced by the usage of technology. Yet, very few studies are concerned with how to create a digital environment for the teaching of writing. Edmodo, a mobile application similar to Facebook made specifically for educational purposes, is believed to well-assist teachers and students in writing instruction. By doing a Classroom Action Research to a university academic writing course, how Edmodo facilitated students’ engagement, improved students’ writing performance and how students perceived the use of Edmodo were investigated. This study was participated by 24 students in the 5th semester of English Department, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Islam Darul ‘Ulum, Lamongan, East Java, Indonesia. In eight meetings, their engagements, writing skills’ improvement, and response towards the application of E
dmodo were measured. Four instruments were utilized to collect the data, namely observation and document analysis, pre-and-posttest, and questionnaire. It was noted that Edmodo facilitated the students’ engagement, improved students’ writing performance and students took advantage of this application usage. However, some barriers to its implementation need to be taken into consideration, e.g. the internet access.
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