Over the number of
years, the phenomenon of blog writing and the subsequent emergence of
the blogosphere have presented web users with yet another means of
communicating in the online environment. (Fellner & Apple, 2006). Namely,
blogs have presented learners with an alternative means of self-expression in
the online medium, as blogs are considered to be as a form of online
diary writing. In other words, blogs give the learners the
opportunity to create their own contemplative space, which facilitates
more consideration and reflection on their actions.
Regarding Armenian
EFL learners, I think that it will be
beneficial for the Armenian EFL learners to
express and publish their ideas not only with their classmates but also with a
broader audience (rural vs urban context). Moreover, it will be a way for them
to practice different aspects of language and at the same time read different
opinions about the same theme. Furthermore, peers who live in the city may have
an entirely different way of thinking or world understanding and having the
chance to read different opinions about the same topic will give them the
opportunity to develop their critical thinking, as blogs are typically
perceived to be beneficial in helping to promote critical thinking
skills. (Murry & Hourigan, 2008). Hence, it is the task of the
teachers provide the Ss with appropriate input and at the same time, create an
appropriate context for the students to produce their output.
However, blogging
tasks have not only their positive effects on learners but also negative ones.
For instance, Armenian EFL learners (8-10 years old, public school) who may not
yet have acquired the appropriate linguistic skills to write, may find writing
blogs, as a too difficult task. Thus, they may start writing in their native
language. Hence, in this case, the responsibility lies with the teacher to
choose the procedure which is most appropriate for his/her students. According
to Nunan (2015), it is essential for a teacher to create such a way of teaching
that will be in harmony with his/her
students learning styles and abilities. However, sometimes it is too complicated for the teachers to create tasks
that will match the needs of the learners.
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